Mount Etna Erupts, Forcing Tourist Evacuations

Mount Etna Erupts: Tourists Flee as Volcano Spews Lava and Ash On June 1st, 2025, Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, erupted spectacularly, sending plumes of ash and smoke billowing into the sky. The eruption intensified on June 2nd, with increased seismic activity leading to a small lava overflow and a series of intense, continuous explosions. Tourists visiting the area were forced to evacuate as the National Institute of Geophysics and Vulcanology (INGV) raised the alert level to red due to the dense smoke clouds. "It was incredible," said one tourist who witnessed the eruption, "Everyone was in panic; everyone was descending." The INGV reported that while the tremors were of high intensity, they remained limited to the summit of the volcano, approximately 2,900 meters above sea level. A portion of the crater did collapse, but authorities confirmed that there is currently no risk to nearby populated areas. The eruption serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of monitoring volcanic activity. The quick response of emergency services ensured the safety of all those in the vicinity of the eruption.