Latest news with #CivilProtectionDepartment
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Hikers ignored warnings before Mount Etna's latest eruption, Sicilian officials say
Despite warnings to stay away, hikers on Mount Etna were forced to flee this week after Italy's most active volcano erupted. 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.' Related Crete earthquake: Is it safe to travel to the Greek island following second tremor in a month? Is it safe to travel to Naples? Italy plans for possible evacuations from super volcano 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.
Euronews
3 days ago
- Business
- Euronews
Mount Etna's latest eruption sparks tourism concerns
Despite warnings to stay away, hikers on Mount Etna were forced to flee this week after Italy's most active volcano erupted. 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 inFebruary. 'Even from a distance, you can feel the heat radiating from fresh lava flows.' 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. Across Europe, more travellers are choosing to see the continent from the bicycle saddle. The once-niche endurance sport is now a growing form of low-impact, eco-friendly travel that's gaining momentum as Europe embraces more sustainable ways to move and explore. In fact, cycling tourism accounts for an estimated 2.3 billion trips across the EU each year, according to the European Cyclists' Federation (ECF), from multi-day bikepacking adventures to leisurely riverside rides that go far beyond the city commute. In honour of World Bicycle Day today, 3 June, there's no better time to embrace a form of travel that's as good for your well-being as it is for the world around you. A love for cycling is deeply embedded in Europe's DNA. This is the continent of the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia and La Vuelta a España, after all. But the recent surge in two-wheeled travel isn't about elite stage races alone. Increasingly, everyday travellers are planning cycling holidays around slow, scenic routes that offer a more immersive, eco-friendly way to explore the world. According to the ECF, cycling tourism now generates more than €44 billion annually and supports thousands of small businesses, from rural guesthouses to bike rental shops. In many cases, cyclists help extend tourism beyond the usual hotspots, bringing off-season or additional income to lesser-visited towns and regions. And if you add in economic gains from better health and fuel savings, the ECF estimates that cycling produces €150 billion in total benefits for Europe. The benefits of cycling tourism go beyond economics, too. Riding a bike even for short trips supports several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), from reducing carbon emissions to improving physical and mental health, and creating more inclusive and accessible transport systems. It's no wonder travellers are increasingly swapping long drives and flights for open-air experiences that tread lightly and prioritise well-being. At the heart of Europe's cycling renaissance is EuroVelo, a continent-wide network of long-distance cycle routes designed to promote sustainable travel and build a better-connected Europe. Once complete, the network will span nearly 61,000 kilometres, connecting the continent via 17 themed routes developed and coordinated by the ECF. As of 2023, over 56,000 kilometres were already in place, mostly along dedicated cycleways or quiet, low-traffic roads enhanced by new bike-friendly lanes. Each route has a distinct identity. EuroVelo 1, the Atlantic Coast Route, hugs Europe's western seaboard for more than 10,600 kilometres, running from northern Norway, across the UK and Ireland, through France and Spain and ending in Portugal. EuroVelo 6, the Rivers Route, follows the Loire, Rhine and Danube through the centre of the continent before reaching the Black Sea. And EuroVelo 13, the so-called Iron Curtain Trail, links former Cold War borders all the way to the edges of Turkey and Greece, turning a once-divisive line into a path of discovery. EuroVelo is continuing to expand across the continent. In 2023, the ECF announced plans for EuroVelo 16, a nearly 1,900-kilometre Iberian Cycle Route. By 2028, the route will connect Lisbon and Pamplona with a journey through Alentejo, Toledo, Madrid and the foothills of the Pyrenees. But other routes are proving just as popular. The 10-year-old Bay Cycle Way, a 130-kilometre path connecting Walney Island in Barrow-in-Furness with Glasson Dock in Lancaster, attracts three million riders a year, according to its founders, the Morecambe Bay Partnership. Now, national governments are also stepping up. The UK announced nearly €355 million in funding in February to improve walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure in England. The investment will add 300 miles of new routes, create safer crossings and provide free cycling training for hundreds of thousands of schoolchildren. The city of Manchester is going a step further, aiming to make so-called 'active travel' routes widely accessible through its Bee Network of walking, cycling, bus and tram routes. 'Our plan to connect 95 per cent of our residents to within 400 metres of high-quality active travel routes is arguably the boldest in the country,' said Manchester's mayor, Andy Burnham, in a statement. As governments invest in cycle-friendly infrastructure and more travellers seek meaningful, lower-impact ways to explore, cycling stands out for its simplicity and reach. Whether it's a weekend ride along the Danube or a month-long journey from Norway to Portugal, cycling is becoming both a tourism asset and a public good that lets you experience Europe with fresh eyes and a lighter footprint.
Local Italy
4 days ago
- Climate
- Local Italy
Is it safe to travel to Sicily after Mount Etna eruption?
Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano, erupted in a dramatic display in the early hours of Monday morning. Footage shared widely on social media showed panicked visitors fleeing down one side of the volcano as a huge plume of smoke and ash billowed above them. No injuries were reported. Flights to and from Catania's Vincenzo Bellini Airport were unaffected, though Sicily's aviation authorities issued an orange alert on Monday urging pilots to exercise caution when flying near the area. As of Monday evening, Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) announced that the volcanic activity had finished. But does that mean it's safe to visit? Warning system The first thing to keep in mind is that Etna's eruptions are nothing new: the first recorded volcanic activity dates all the way back to 1,500 BC. The volcano has erupted regularly in recent years, with the most recent notable eruption happening in February of this year. Despite these flare-ups, Etna continues to be a popular destination for tourists, and authorities are well-equipped to deal with eruptions. The last time an eruption resulted in the loss of human life was 1987, when a woman and her seven-year-old son were caught in a sudden explosion while walking near the volcano's summit with their tour group. Sicily's President Renato Schifani on Monday said experts had assured him that there was "no danger for the population". However, local authorities will continue to monitor the situation "with extreme caution," he added. "Everything's under control," Catania Mayor Enrico Tarantino said, adding that the eruption "was expected, and access to the summit had already been restricted." Stefano Branca, director of the INGV's Etna Observatory, also told reporters that the "summit area had already been closed preventively and the entire warning system worked". He was referring to the Civil Protection Department's colour-coded tiered alert system, under which red represents the highest threat level and green the lowest. Each level triggers different public safety measures, with a red code requiring mandatory evacuations and major access restrictions, and a yellow code meaning people in the vicinity should keep checking for updates and be prepared. As of Tuesday, the Civil Protection Department's Etna alert level was at a yellow. Tourists seeking photo opportunities and thrills have in the past defied local ordinances blocking access to certain areas and ignored officials directing traffic and hikers away from danger zones. It's a given that if you don't follow the rules, you may be putting yourself in danger. How are flights affected by volcanic activity? Airport closures due to volcanic activity are not uncommon in Sicily. Catania's airport, Sicily's busiest airport, is frequently forced to halt or reduce flights due to clouds of ash in its airspace. During the last series of eruptions in February, it was forced to divert dozens of flights. Given that Catania's airport is closest to the 'epicentre' of volcanic activity, it is far more likely to be affected by closures than others in the region. Flights to the airport are usually diverted to Palermo's Falcone-Borsellino airport (a four-hour drive away) or Trapani's Vincenzo Florio in the event of closures. But it is not just air transportation that can be disrupted by the effects of a volcano. Ground transportation services (trains and buses) can be halted temporarily due to poor visibility from ashfall, especially when coupled with rainfall, which can cause slippery conditions on the roads near the volcano. Worsening air quality is also a risk for individuals with chronic breathing issues such as asthma or COPD. During periods of ashfall, officials advise limiting exposure, at least until the air has cleared. If you are planning to travel to affected areas of the island, you can find up-to-the-minute alerts on volcanic activity from the INGV here.
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Climate
- Straits Times
Tourists told to heed warnings after huge Mount Etna eruption
Plumes of ash and volcanic steam rise from Mount Etna, as seen from Milo, Italy, on June 2. PHOTO: REUTERS CATANIA, Italy – Tourists have been told to check for warnings before climbing towards the summit of Italy's Mount Etna after an eruption sent hikers scurrying for safety. Video footage from the eruption on June 2 showed dozens of people hurrying down a path as a large plume of ash rose behind them from the volcano on the eastern side of the island of Sicily. Mr Salvo Cocina, head of Sicily's Civil Protection Department, said dozens of hikers ventured on to Etna despite a warning issued early on June 2 after initial signs of increased activity on Europe's largest active volcano. 'There was a big explosion and a crater collapsed, but luckily it fell into a deserted area,' he told Reuters on June 3. 'It's very hard to block access. You can't fence it off,' he added. Mr Cocina said those on the mountain on June 2, who had climbed to a height of some 2,700m, appeared to be properly equipped, and he acknowledged the need to balance safety concerns with the desire of tourists to enjoy the views. Nobody was injured in the June 2 eruption, and the alert for volcanic activity has been downgraded to the more standard 'yellow' level on June 3. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Climate
- Straits Times
Tourists told to heed warnings after Etna eruption
Volcanic steam rises from Mount Etna, as seen from Milo, Italy, June 2, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Restivo/ File Photo Volcanic steam rises from Mount Etna, as seen from Milo, Italy, June 2, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Restivo Plumes of ash and volcanic steam rise from Mount Etna, as seen from Milo, Italy, June 2, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Restivo CATANIA, Italy - Tourists have been told to check for warnings before climbing towards the summit of Italy's Mount Etna after an eruption sent hikers scurrying for safety. Video footage from Monday's eruption showed dozens of people hurrying down a path as a large plume of ash rose behind them from the volcano on the eastern side of the island of Sicily. Salvo Cocina, the head of Sicily's Civil Protection Department, said dozens of hikers had ventured on to Etna despite a warning issued early on Monday morning after initial signs of increased activity on Europe's largest active volcano. "There was a big explosion and a crater collapsed but luckily it fell into a deserted area," he told Reuters on Tuesday. "It's very hard to block access, you can't fence it off," he added. Cocina said those on the mountain on Monday, who had climbed to a height of some 2,700 metres, appeared to be properly equipped and he acknowledged the need to balance safety concerns with the desire of tourists to enjoy the views. Nobody was injured in Monday's eruption and the alert for volcanic activity had been downgraded to the more standard "yellow" level on Tuesday. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
