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Time of India
03-06-2025
- Time of India
Mount Etna eruption: Is traveling to Italy's Sicily safe now?
Italy is currently facing significant turmoil among tourists due to the violent eruption of Mount Etna, which released massive clouds of ash into the atmosphere and necessitated the evacuation of affected areas. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The sudden volcanic activity has disrupted travel and tourism across Sicily, leading to emergency evacuations because of the hazardous conditions created by the thick ash fallout. In response to the widespread impact of this dramatic natural event, officials are closely monitoring the situation and prioritizing the safety of visitors. What's happening? Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, erupted early on Monday, June 2, producing large plumes of smoke and prompting tourists to flee for their lives. Mount Etna has a distinct conical shape and reaches a height of nearly 3,400 meters due to centuries of continuous lava flows and explosive eruptions. The eruption began around 4 a.m. local time, with Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology reporting increasingly intense strombolian explosions. Etna, situated on Sicily's east coast near Catania and Taormina, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world's most active stratovolcanoes, with annual eruptions. Is it safe to travel to Sicily? Although many tourists were caught off guard by the sudden volcanic activity, leading to panic as they hurried down the slopes to escape the ash and swirling smoke, local officials reported that there was no immediate danger to the residents, even though tourists experienced widespread panic. It is still safe to travel to Sicily, even when Mount Etna is erupting. Local authorities and residents are accustomed to dealing with Mount Etna eruptions. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now For the last five years, it has been erupting multiple times a year. Despite this, tourism to Sicily has been on the rise. Code Red to Orange: The Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre ranked the aviation alert at "code red" before downgrading it to "orange." Catania Airport remains operational with some delays, and there are no reports of injuries or significant damage. AccuWeather reported that the ash cloud is expected to drift southwest, potentially affecting visibility and air quality. Air travel disruptions: When eruptions occur, the airport typically advises travelers to check their flight status with their airline prior to departure, as volcanic activity can result in rapid changes. Mount Etna's eruption has caused some disruptions to air travel. Catania Airport, located at the foot of Mount Etna, has experienced delays and cancellations due to ash clouds. However, the airport remains operational, and flights are gradually resuming. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for real-time updates and to monitor official guidance regarding the safety of traveling in the affected region. Although Catania Airport remains fully operational and departures are proceeding as scheduled, arrival flights from Rome, Milan, and Berlin have faced delays this afternoon. Ground transportation and health precautions: Ground transportation services, such as trains and buses, can be temporarily affected by 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 until the air has cleared. Travel tips for visitors: Stay informed: Monitor official updates from local authorities and the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology for real-time information on volcanic activity. Check flight status: Verify your flight status with your airline before heading to the airport, as volcanic activity can lead to sudden changes in flight schedules. Health precautions: If you have respiratory issues, consider wearing a mask and limit outdoor activities during periods of ashfall. Guided tours: If planning to visit areas near the volcano, consider joining a guided tour to ensure safety and gain expert insights into the volcanic activity. For up-to-date information, individuals are encouraged to monitor airline websites or apps, as well as their social media profiles. Mt Etna Erupts: Blast At Italy's 'Lady Of Rings' Volcano, Tourists Scrambleto Safety
Times
02-06-2025
- Climate
- Times
Is it safe to travel to Sicily after Mount Etna eruption? Latest advice
Sicily's Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, erupted on the morning of Monday, June 2. Tourists could be seen running down its slopes as huge plumes of smoke rose into the sky. The eruption began at about 4am local time. Describing the release of magma, Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology said there had been 'strombolian explosions of growing intensity' in the hours after the initial eruption. The Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre Toulouse issued a brief 'code red' for aviation due to the eruption. This alert had been downgraded to 'orange' at the time of writing. The local airport, Catania, is operating as normal, and there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage. Mount Etna last erupted in May this year, although it has erupted hundreds of times since the first recorded instance in 1500BC. If you've got a trip to Sicily coming up, here's what you need to know. Europe's largest volcano, Mount Etna is on the east coast of Sicily, a Mediterranean island and region of Italy. Set slightly inland with the city of Catania to the south and popular tourist resort of Taormina to the north, it is the most active stratovolcano in the world, and has been a Unesco world heritage site since 2013. Yes, but do keep an eye on the latest advice. Flights are currently operating as normal, with some delays reported at Catania airport. Local airspace remains open and the UK Foreign Office has not updated its travel advice following the eruption. Mount Etna last erupted in May 2025. Eruptions are fairly common, with at least one a year. These generally have minimal impact on local residents and towns, but some have caused significant damage over the years. A major eruption in 1971 buried the Etna Observatory, destroyed orchards and vineyards, and threatened several villages. • Mount Etna eruption: huge plumes of smoke above volcano
Hindustan Times
02-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
Is it safe to travel to Italy's Sicily? Red code warning issued after ‘intense' Mount Etna eruption
Italy is currently experiencing severe chaos among tourists due to Mount Etna's violent eruption, which sent enormous ash clouds soaring into the sky and forced visitors to evacuate the impacted areas. The abrupt volcanic activity has hampered travel and tourism throughout Sicily, prompting emergency evacuations due to the risky circumstances caused by the thick ash fallout. While addressing the widespread effects of this spectacular natural phenomenon, authorities are keeping a careful eye on the situation and placing a high priority on visitor safety. Mount Etna is the most active volcano in Europe and the most often erupting stratovolcano worldwide. It has a characteristic conical contour and a towering height of almost 3,400 meters due to millennia of recurrent lava flows and violent eruptions. Mount Etna, the most active and prolific volcano in Europe, once again showed off its natural might on June 2 with a spectacular eruption that sent tall clouds of ash soaring into the Sicilian sky. Many tourists were taken aback by the abrupt volcanic activity, which caused panic as they rushed down the slopes to avoid the plumes of ash and whirling smoke. Local officials said there was no immediate threat to the residents of the area, despite the fact that panic spread among the tourists. However, Toulouse's Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre has issued a 'code red' warning, indicating the possible effects of the ash fallout on the nearby tourist areas. Later on, this was downgraded to an orange alert and advised pilots to stay alert while flying. According to AccuWeather, the ash cloud will move southwest, which might have an impact on visibility and air quality. Also Read: Lois Boisson breaks silence on Harriet Dart's bizarre 'deodorant' remark as fans express outrage Located at the base of Mount Etna, Catania Airport is still fully functional. While departures are proceeding according to plan, this afternoon's arrivals from Rome, Milan, and Berlin have been delayed. The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) in Italy reported that Mount Etna was experiencing strong strombolian eruptions, which are typified by explosive outbursts of ash and lava particles, with strength gradually rising during the night. Initial seismic tremors started at 10 PM local time, signaling the beginning of increased volcanic disturbance, according to volcanic monitoring websites like Volcanic Discovery. As the Toulouse Advisory Centre verified, volcanic ash plumes rose to an estimated 6,400 meters in altitude just before 1 AM, marking the crescendo of the activity. When eruptions happen, the airport typically tells travelers to verify the status of their flights with their airline before departing because volcanic activity can cause things to change rapidly. For real-time information, people are advised to monitor airline websites or applications as well as their social media pages. Italian volcanologists have reported strombolian explosions of 'growing intensity' on Mount Etna. In most cases, these explosions are mild eruptions.
The Journal
02-06-2025
- The Journal
Tourists flee as Mount Etna unleashes powerful early-morning eruption
#Etna Collassa porzione del cratere, grosso flusso piroclastico — Local Team (@localteamit) June 2, 2025 MOUNT ETNA, EUROPE'S most active volcano, erupted early this morning and sent massive plumes of ash and smoke into the Sicilian sky, causing panic among locals and tourists. According to the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre in Toulouse, ash plumes rose to around 6,400 metres high, triggering a 'code red' aviation alert. A code red means that there is a 'significant' amount of ash in the atmosphere. Despite the alert, the eruption will cause no threat to the public, experts have said. Footage widely shared on social media shows panicked tourists fleeing the slopes of Etna as ash began falling and tremors were felt in nearby communities. Advertisement #Etna 2025 suite de l'éruption — 🥗Aurelien Pouzin🍯 (@aurelienpouzin) June 2, 2025 Despite the eruption, Sicily's Catania International Airport remained open and operational, though authorities warned of potential flight disruptions if ash levels increase. Italian civil aviation is yet to close any airspace. Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) have said that they are closely monitoring the event. Smoke billows from Mount Etna volcano, Italy. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo The institute suggested the eruption may have been caused by a partial collapse of Etna's southeast crater, although no lava flows had breached the Etna Valley by this afternoon. No injuries or fatalities have been reported. Additional reporting from AFP Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Independent
02-06-2025
- Climate
- The Independent
What to know about travelling to Sicily after the eruption of Mount Etna
Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano, erupted in Sicily, Italy, sending smoke plumes into the air and causing tourists to flee. The eruption included a pyroclastic flow of hot rock, ash, and gas, along with a lava fountain from the volcano's southeast crater. The Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre in Toulouse issued a red aviation warning, but flights are currently experiencing minimal disruptions. Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology reported that volcanic tremors preceded the eruption, which began around 3.50 am local time (2.50am BST) and has continued with increasing intensity. The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has not issued new travel advice but advises tourists to follow local authority guidance and to be prepared for potential flight cancellations due to volcanic ash.
