Mount Etna Erupts Powerfully in Sicily, Tourists Evacuated Amid Ash Cloud

A powerful eruption of Mount Etna in Sicily on Monday forced dozens of tourists to flee as a massive cloud of volcanic ash, hot gases, and rocks rose several kilometers into the sky. Approximately 40 hikers were on the volcano at the time, all of whom were safely evacuated by authorities. The eruption, the strongest since 2014, caused disruptions including partial flight cancellations and diversions at Catania airport.

Giuseppe Penfalo, a guide from the Go Etna tour company, described the eruption as sudden and intense, with a huge ash cloud and loud roaring. The Sicilian Civil Protection Agency reported that about 12 tour companies operate on the volcano at any given time. Volcanologists noted that three lava flows from the eruption have begun cooling, with only localized ash emissions near the summit currently ongoing.

Renato Schifani, president of the Sicily region, urged the public to avoid the summit area until further notice due to the risk of continued volcanic activity. Authorities closed roads leading to the volcano to ensure emergency services could operate safely. Flight operations were partially affected, with some flights to Catania redirected to Palermo and others canceled. Israeli travelers reported that a morning Israir flight to Catania was canceled, while an El Al evening flight remained scheduled.

The eruption highlights Mount Etna's ongoing volcanic activity, posing temporary hazards to visitors and affecting regional transportation.