Panic in Sicily as Mount Etna Erupts, Forcing Tourists to Flee

A powerful eruption of Mount Etna in Sicily caused major disruptions to air travel on Monday and prompted the evacuation of hikers and tourists near the volcano's summit. A massive cloud of volcanic ash, superheated gases, and rocks shot several kilometers into the air as dozens of visitors rushed to leave the area. Authorities also implemented precautionary measures amid concerns that volcanic activity could continue.

Italian media reported that the volcano began emitting ash at around 7:45 a.m. local time. About an hour later, the eruption intensified significantly, producing an ash plume that rose approximately 1.5 kilometers (about one mile) above the summit. As volcanic ash spread through the atmosphere, operations at Catania Airport were temporarily suspended for safety reasons.

Because of the potential threat to aviation, the Etna Observatory of the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology raised the aviation alert from orange to red, the highest warning level for volcanic ash. ITA Airways said departures and arrivals at Catania Airport were expected to face delays and cancellations.

"Due to the volcanic activity of Mount Etna and the presence of volcanic ash in the atmosphere, operations at Catania Airport have been temporarily suspended," the airline said.

Videos shared on social media captured the dramatic eruption, showing hikers hurrying down the mountainside as a towering column of ash and smoke rose into the sky. The owner of a local tour company told CNN that about 40 hikers were in the area when the eruption occurred.

Tour guide Alessio Zucco told CNN that the eruption initially appeared routine before suddenly becoming far more intense.

"At first it looked like other eruptions, but what made it unusual was a sudden and powerful explosion," he said. "It was a dramatic moment, but fortunately it was relatively brief."

Sicily's Civil Protection agency said about 12 tour companies operate on Mount Etna. According to the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, all tourists and hikers on the mountain during the eruption were evacuated safely.

Sicily regional president Renato Schifani said there is currently no danger to nearby residents but urged visitors to avoid the area around the volcano's summit until further notice because of the possibility of continued volcanic activity.