Tourists Flee as Mount Etna Erupts Dramatically

Mount Etna's Eruption Sends Tourists Fleeing On June 2nd, 2025, Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, unleashed a powerful eruption that sent shockwaves—and tourists—running. The eruption, characterized by intense Strombolian explosions, as reported by Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, generated pyroclastic flows that raced down the volcano's slopes. A massive column of ash and smoke rose high above Sicily, creating a spectacle visible even from the island of Malta. Videos circulating online capture the chaotic scenes as tourists scrambled to safety. One eyewitness, whose footage was shared on X by @aurelienpouzin, described the moment as "unbelievable." Another person stated, "Everyone was in panic, everyone was going down." The eruption prompted an aviation orange alert, warning of the drifting ash cloud heading southwest. Remarkably, despite the dramatic visuals, no injuries were reported. Mount Etna remains under close monitoring, and authorities are reminding visitors of the importance of heeding safety warnings when visiting active volcanoes. The event serves as a potent reminder of nature's power and the unpredictable nature of volcanic activity.