Latest news with #SalvoCocina
Euronews
a day ago
- Euronews
Nine injured after violent turbulence hits Ryanair flight in Germany
Severe storms in southern Germany forced a Ryanair flight to make an emergency landing late Wednesday after violent turbulence injured nine people on board, German police said in a statement Thursday. The flight, travelling from Berlin to Milan with 179 passengers and six crew members, encountered turbulence so intense around 8:30 pm that the pilot was forced to make an unscheduled landing at Memmingen Airport in Bavaria. Eight passengers and one crew member were hurt. Three people were taken to the hospital in Memmingen for treatment; the other injured people were released after receiving outpatient treatment. As a precaution, all passengers were checked for injuries by the emergency services. Authorities did not permit the plane to continue flying, and the airline arranged bus transport for passengers. Milan is about 380 kilometres south of Memmingen. Elsewhere in the region, storms damaged several homes in Ulm, Baden-Württmberg, according to the German news agency dpa. In the Donaustetten district, strong winds tore roofs off multiple row houses, rendering them uninhabitable, though no injuries were reported. Fire officials suspect a small tornado or waterspout caused the damage. The German Weather Service (DWD) is investigating, according to dpa. Storm-related emergency calls also came from other areas in southern Germany, where damage was mostly limited to fallen trees and flooded basements. The DWD warned of further storms on Thursday, 5 June, with hail, strong winds, and localised heavy rain expected. 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.' 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.
Yahoo
2 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
2 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.
The Independent
3 days ago
- General
- The Independent
Tourists ignored warning signs before Mount Etna eruptions
Tourists have been reminded to check for warnings before climbing towards the summit of Italy's Mount Etna after an eruption sent plumes of ash into the sky and hikers scurrying for safety. The volcano is Europe's most active, and the continent's largest and attracts hikers and backpackers to its slopes while less adventurous tourists can take it in from a distance. Salvo Cocina, head of Sicily's Civil Protection Department, said dozens of hikers ignored warnings issued early Monday morning, after initial signs of increased activity were detected on Europe's largest active volcano. Footage showed those who had ventured on to Etna, hurrying down the volcano's slopes as a large plume of ash rose behind them from the volcano on the eastern side of the island of Sicily. "There was a big explosion and a crater collapsed but luckily it fell into a deserted area," he said on Tuesday. "It's very hard to block access, you can't fence it off.' 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. Authorities said the pyroclastic flow — a fast-moving mixture of rock fragments, gas and ash — was limited to about two kilometers (more than a mile) and didn't go beyond the Valle del Leone, or Lion Valley, which forms a natural containment area. Etna towers around 3,350 meters (around 11,050 feet) above sea level and is 35 kilometers (22 miles) in diameter, although the volcanic activity has changed the mountain's height over time. Occasionally, the airport at Catania, eastern Sicily's largest city, has to close down for hours or days, when ash in the air makes flying in the area dangerous. An aviation warning was put in place during the latest event, but the airport wasn't closed.
Asharq Al-Awsat
3 days ago
- Climate
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Tourists Told to Heed Warnings after Etna Eruption
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 meters, 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.
