Mount Etna erupted violently on June 2, 2025, prompting tourists to flee and triggering aviation alerts across Sicily.
At a Glance
- Mount Etna erupted on June 2, 2025, sending massive plumes of ash and smoke into the sky
- Tourists were seen fleeing as the eruption intensified, with ashfall reported in surrounding areas
- The Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre in Toulouse issued a “code red” warning for aviation
- A partial collapse of the volcano’s southeastern crater triggered the eruption
- Flights at Catania airport experienced delays due to the volcanic activity
Eruption Details and Immediate Impact
On the morning of June 2, 2025, Mount Etna erupted, sending plumes of ash and smoke into the sky. The eruption was triggered by a partial collapse of the southeastern crater, which released a dramatic lava fountain and a cloud of boiling rock, ash, and sulfur dioxide, according to The Sun.
Tourists near the summit were captured on video fleeing as volcanic debris blanketed the area. Authorities quickly raised aviation warnings, and the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre in Toulouse issued a “code red” alert. Ash plumes reportedly reached an altitude of 6,400 meters, drifting northwest and prompting precautionary delays at Catania Airport.
Watch a report: Mount Etna erupts sending tourists fleeing for lives.
Historical Context and Safety Measures
Mount Etna is one of the world’s most active volcanoes, with a history of major eruptions dating back millennia. Its most destructive eruption occurred in 1669, burying parts of Catania and destroying surrounding villages. In recent decades, Italy has employed mitigation measures—such as 1983’s dynamite blasts and 1992’s military-built earthen barriers—to steer lava flows away from inhabited areas, as reported by The Times.
Though the latest eruption was visually spectacular, the Italian Civil Protection Agency said the event was anticipated and monitored. Activity remained localized around the crater at approximately 2,800 meters in altitude, and air traffic at Catania remained operational, according to El País. Authorities have declared a red alert but emphasized that the eruption is under control and continues to be monitored closely.
Mount Etna’s frequent activity underscores both the dramatic beauty and destructive power of Earth’s geological forces, and highlights the need for robust preparedness measures in the face of natural disasters.
