Sicily’s Mount Etna, one of the globe’s most active volcanoes, has recently witnessed a stunning series of lava eruptions, drawing in thousands of eager spectators. However, this surge in tourism poses significant safety concerns, warns Salvo Cocina, head of the region’s Civil Protection agency. Although many visitors arrive with proper gear and guides, the overwhelming numbers lead to chaotic parking and hiking near narrow roads, endangering the passage of rescue vehicles.
Recently, eight lost hikers were located after several hours, and a 48-year-old man suffered a foot fracture from slipping on ice. The presence of rescue teams, including off-road ambulances, is crucial for the safety of both the workers and guides operating in the area. Cocina cautions that obstructing these emergency vehicles creates hazardous conditions.
The current eruption phase began on February 11 and has generated a flurry of captivating visual content shared across social media. The lava has advanced to an elevation of around 1,950 metres, destroying nearby trees. Additionally, Catania’s airport had to divert flights due to ash clouds but has since resumed operations. Notably, Mount Etna is not only the most active stratovolcano worldwide but also stands as Europe’s highest volcano at approximately 3,350 metres.