Mount Etna eruption prompts tourist evacuation amid ashfall
Mount Etna, situated on the Italian island of Sicily, has erupted. Photos shared online depict vast quantities of smoke and ash being released. Tourists were rapidly leaving the mountain trails, reports "The Independent".
Key information
- Mount Etna in Sicily has erupted, causing concern among tourists.
- The eruption was characterised by strong Strombolian explosions.
- A fine ash fall was recorded in the areas around Piano Vetore.
Located on the Italian island of Sicily, Mount Etna has erupted once more. The nighttime eruption prompted tourists to quickly flee the mountain trails. The volcano emitted vast plumes of smoke and ash.
According to Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, Etna experienced strong Strombolian explosions, as reported by the British "The Independent". This type of eruption is characterised by violent outbursts, which can pose a danger to those nearby.
A fine ash fall was recorded in the areas around Piano Vetore, indicating that it assumes the form of dust, dirt, or airborne suspensions capable of contaminating anything within its reach.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "inhaling volcanic gases and ash can be harmful to your health. Breathing in volcanic gases at high concentrations can cause mild symptoms, such as irritation of the eyes, and more severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or even death."
Videos have surfaced on social media showing people hastily vacating the mountain trails.
Etna is the tallest and largest volcanic cone in Europe, covering an area of at least 480 square miles. The volcano began forming around 500,000 years ago. It is estimated that there have been over 200 eruptions since then.
The most significant and destructive eruption in Etna's history occurred in 1669, which demolished many villages and towns, including Catania. This eruption was marked by an intense lava flow and earthquakes, causing severe damage.
