A massive eruption at Mount Etna in Italy has prompted tourists to evacuate the area after a plume of high-temperature gases, ash, and rock billowed into the air. The eruption, which occurred on Monday, sent tourists fleeing down the mountain as explosions were heard as far away as 50 kilometers.
According to the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology Observatory, the eruption is one of the largest since 2014. The observatory reported that explosions are still increasing in intensity, with the mountain spewing out a small amount of lava and fire.
The eruption began on Monday morning and produced explosions that were heard in the nearby cities of Taormina and Catania. Preliminary observations suggest a partial collapse of the northern flank of the volcano’s south-east crater, which has produced lava flows in recent months.
Despite the eruption, nearby airports in Catania and Palermo remain open, as the wind is not currently blowing ash in their direction. However, the Sicilian Civil Protection Agency has instructed flights to avoid the area, and some flights from Catania have been redirected to Palermo.
Authorities are prepared to alert residents to take cover if the wind changes, but currently, none of the ash is expected to fall on the city of Catania. The city’s mayor, Enrico Tarantino, stated that preparations are in place to respond to any changes in the eruption.
Mount Etna is one of the world’s most active volcanos and a popular tourist destination, attracting 1.5 million visitors per year. The eruption has forced tourists to flee, with one tour company owner reporting that they had 40 people on the mountain when it erupted.
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