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Yahoo
6 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Mount Etna volcanic eruption: Is it safe to travel to Sicily and are flights cancelled?
Mount Etna, the tallest and most active volcano in Europe, erupted earlier today, sending plumes of smoke into the air. Dramatic video footage shared on social media showed tourists fleeing down the side of the mountain as a thick volcanic cloud intensified above them. Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (IGNV) said in a statement that the eruption began at 3:50 am local time following volcanic tremors that started at midnight. Volcanologists added that Mount Etna has been experiencing strombolian explosions of 'growing intensity'. These explosions are typically a moderate kind of eruption. A pyroclastic flow - an avalanche of hot rock, ash and gas - was seen on surveillance cameras at around 11:30 am local time. It was 'probably produced by a collapse of material from the northern flank of the South-East Crater', IGNV said. This flow doesn't appear to have crossed the edge of the Valle del Leone, a valley located at the foot of the summit craters on Mount Etna. But the explosive activity in the south-east crater has become a lava fountain, it added. Related From volcanic winemaking to lemon-scented hikes: Travel to these winning Italian villages Save the Amalfi Coast for spring to escape the crowds and hike beneath lemon blossom Mount Etna has a history of frequent eruptions dating back 3,000 years. It last erupted in February, sending a 3-kilometre river of lava flowing out of a crater called Bocca Nuova, meaning 'new mouth'. That eruption caused some minor disruption to travel, with parts of Catania airport closed due to reduced visibility. Catania airport stands at the foot of Mount Etna, giving departing and arriving passengers a spectacular view of the volcano. Catania–Fontanarossa Airport, also known as Vincenzo Bellini Airport, on the island's east coast, is Sicily's most popular airport with international tourists. The Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre in Toulouse, France, which monitors aviation risks, issued a red aviation warning earlier today. This has since been downgraded to an orange warning, and Catania Airport remains fully operational. Departures are happening as scheduled, with just a few arrivals from Rome, Milan, and Berlin delayed this afternoon. Passengers are still advised to check the status of their flight with their airline before leaving home, as volcanic activity can change the situation rapidly. You can also find updated information on arrivals and departures on the Catania Airport website. If flights at Catania Airport are disrupted, airlines are required to offer you another flight or a refund if a flight is cancelled or delayed by more than three hours. However, this is only when they could have prevented the disruption. In the case of a volcanic eruption, it is not their fault. Related Travel insurance expert warns these common holiday activities often aren't covered by standard plans But in most cases, airlines will still endeavour to get passengers to their final destination. It's always wise to have travel insurance as you may be able to claim back for unexpected expenses. Yes, it is still safe to travel to Sicily, even when Mount Etna is erupting. Local authorities and residents are used to dealing with Mount Etna eruptions. For the last five years, it has erupted multiple times a year, and tourism to Sicily has been on the rise. Despite frequent eruptions, lava has not reached nearby towns since the 1800s. Etna has more than 200 craters, and when one of these does erupt, black volcanic ash lands in the city of Catania at its foot and the many surrounding towns and villages. This is inconvenient for residents, but usually not a problem for visitors. Some people even purposefully climb the volcano to see an eruption, though authorities urge tourists to keep a safe distance. The mayor of Catania in Corriere della Sera has said that 'everything is normal and under control'.
Daily Mirror
29-05-2025
- Science
- Daily Mirror
Scientists warn over 'awakening' European supervolcano eruption
Following a number of powerful earthquakes at Campi Flegrei in Italy, scientists are alarmed that a major eruption could be pending Scientists believe a European supervolcano is "awakening" amid fears it could devastate food supplies worldwide. Following a number of powerful earthquakes at Campi Flegrei in Italy, scientists are alarmed that a major eruption could be pending. More than 3,000 smaller tremors have already been recorded in the past six months. Furthermore, the Phlegraean Fields near Naples were hit by a 4.4 magnitude earthquake in May, which scientists said was the strongest in 40 years. An increase in seismic activity normally precedes as pressure builds up underground. Scientists say minor tremors can weaken the rock above the volcano's magma chamber, making it easier for magma to break through. Geologists have also noted a significant increase in gases being released from the volcano. In addition, carbon dioxide emissions from Campi Flegrei have skyrocketed, with Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) reporting daily levels between 4,000 and 5,000 tons. Increased gas emissions often indicate that magma is moving nearer to the surface, exerting more pressure on the volcano. This indicates that the magma is releasing gases, a strong sign that it might be moving closer to the surface. The remaining 20 percent of the gas comes from hot fluids reacting with subterranean rocks, a natural process that doesn't necessarily signal an impending eruption. Scientists monitor these gas emissions, ground swelling, and thousands of minor earthquakes as they are crucial warning signs of potential eruptions. When magma ascends, it forces gases out, building pressure within the volcano. Excessive pressure can lead to cracks and trigger a perilous eruption. Christopher R. J. Kilburn, leading volcanologist of IGNV, said: "Distinguishing between gas emissions caused by magma movement versus those resulting from natural rock interactions is absolutely critical." Campi Flegrei could pose a devastating threat to over four million people living in Naples's metropolitan area. The damage produced by the lava flows would likely cut off power, water supplies, and electricity. Authorities in Naples have critical evacuation plans for the millions living in the area. However, if an eruption were to happen, volcanic gases could cause years of cooler temperatures that would threaten food supplies worldwide. The damage would also be felt worldwide, with ash clouds halting flights. Although Campi Flegrei last erupted in 1538, scientists believe it has shown signs in last few decades. It is not possible to predict when an eruption might happen, but recent activity indicates it could be sooner rather than later. "We are seeing a clear progression toward a state where rupture is more likely," the scientists revealed. Officials raised the volcano's alert level from green to yellow in 2012.
