Hikers ignored warnings before Mount Etna's latest eruption, Sicilian officials say
Footage from the mountain shared on social media showed tourists scurrying down the slopes as ash rose into the sky. Authorities had issued alerts on Monday morning after signs of increased volcanic activity, but dozens ignored them and climbed toward the summit anyway.
'There was a big explosion and a crater collapsed but luckily it fell into a deserted area,' said Salvo Cocina, head of Sicily's Civil Protection Department. 'It's very hard to block access [to Mount Etna] – you can't fence it off.'
No one was injured and the alert level was lowered to the standard 'yellow' on Tuesday.
Experiencing a close-up volcanic eruption is a bucket-list event, and Mount Etna offers one of the most accessible opportunities to do it.
At 3,350 metres tall and 35 kilometres wide, the Sicilian giant frequently rumbles to life, offering a front-row seat to nature's raw power.
Even when it's active, many trails and paths remain safe to climb.
'[The experience is] a mix of awe and adrenaline,' says mountain guide Saro Trovato, who safely – and legally – climbed Mount Etna when it erupted in February.
'Even from a distance, you can feel the heat radiating from fresh lava flows.'
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But above 2,500 metres, hikers are legally required to travel with a qualified mountain guide, who can keep visitors safe as well as informed.
On Tuesday, many hikers were as high as 2,700 metres above sea level.
Conditions can change quickly on the mountain.
On Monday, a pyroclastic flow – a fast-moving surge of gas, rock and ash – travelled two kilometres down the mountainside. It didn't go further than the Valle del Leone, a natural containment area for lava flows, but any changes could have led to catastrophe.
Tourism presents other problems during eruptions, too. In February, Cocina said that tourists parked on narrow roads around Mount Etna had blocked access for emergency vehicles. Firefighters had to be deployed to manage the growing crowds.
This is why the authorities mandate mountain guides such as Trovato, who receive real-time updates from volcanologists and rescue teams and are trained to respond if conditions suddenly change.
'Always check volcanic activity updates from local authorities and respect any access restrictions,' he advises. Especially when the volcano starts to stir.
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National Geographic
2 days ago
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Here's Exactly What to Eat for All-Day Energy
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The key is avoiding the temptation to grab only refined carbs, like a bagel or pastry. The body digests these quickly, spiking blood sugar and setting you up for a crash by about 10 a.m., Burgess says. Think of your blood sugar like a fuel line to the body. Stable levels mean steady energy, and big swings cause energy crashes. 'When we eat a balanced meal with protein, carbs, and fat, our blood sugar rises and falls gently—more like a smooth hill,' says Burgess. 'Eating something made up of simple carbs, like a pastry alone, will make blood sugar shoot up fast and crash, leaving you feeling drained.' Research shows that even healthier carbs eaten alone, like a big fruit smoothie without protein or fat, can cause the same spike-and-crash pattern. Pairing carbs with protein has been shown to slow digestion and help maintain stable glucose levels for hours. Read More: Pre-Workout Powders Are Gaining Popularity. Do They Work? To keep your blood sugar stable, Andersen recommends pairing carbs with protein or fat at every meal and snack, choosing whole grains over refined grains, and avoiding going more than four or five hours without eating. Some energy-stabilizing combos include apple slices with peanut butter, whole-grain toast with eggs, or a small baked potato topped with Greek yogurt. 'These combos give you immediate fuel plus lasting power, keeping you energized and satisfied for hours,' Andersen adds. Snacks are your secret weapon against the dreaded afternoon slump—if you choose wisely. Protein is key. A 2019 study suggests that snacks should contain at least 10 grams of protein for optimal satiety and to prevent overeating later in the day. In other words, a protein-rich snack isn't just good for your energy—it can help you make better choices at your next meal. Jordan Hill, a sports dietitian at Top Nutrition Coaching in Los Angeles, has a few favorite energy-focused snacks: Greek yogurt with berries, apple slices with peanut butter, hard-boiled eggs with avocado, walnuts and dried fruit, veggies with hummus, and cheese with whole-grain crackers. And remember, snacking doesn't have to mean packaged foods. Leftovers from dinner, a small salad with tuna, or roasted chickpeas can be just as quick—and far more nutrient-dense—than a granola bar, Hill adds. Creating a balanced meal keeps your energy humming. Burgess suggests following an energy-boosting meal template like this: 1 cup fiber-filled carbs (quinoa, sweet potatoes, corn, fruit) 4 oz protein (chicken, salmon, tofu, beans, eggs) 1+ cups veggies (leafy greens, broccoli, peppers) ¼ cup healthy fats (avocado, nuts, olive oil, hummus) The USDA's MyPlate guidelines echo this ratio—half your plate goes to fruits and vegetables, a quarter is for protein, a quarter for whole grains, plus a smattering of dairy and healthy fats. This combination ensures you're getting quick fuel from carbs, steady energy from protein, and sustained fuel from fats. Read More: The Surprising Health Benefits of Spicy Food To keep things interesting, Burgess recommends rotating your proteins and produce each week. Try swapping salmon for chickpeas in a grain bowl or replacing spinach with roasted Brussels sprouts. 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In fact, research on overly restrictive diets—like extremely low-carb or low-fat plans—has found they often result in decreased physical performance and increased tiredness. When carbs, protein, and fat work together, they create a steady, reliable energy supply that supports both mental clarity and physical stamina. Even mild dehydration—just 1–2% loss of body weight in fluids—can make you feel sluggish, unfocused, and moody, Hill adds. Aim to drink about half of your body weight in ounces of fluids daily, and include water-rich foods like cucumber, oranges, and watermelon in your diet. For all-day energy, spread fluid intake evenly through the day to avoid 'catch-up chugging' in the evening. And remember: hydration isn't just about water. Herbal tea, sparkling water, smoothies, and milk count toward your daily total. Contact us at letters@
