June 2, 2025 volcano Etna in Sicily, he again proved why he was considered 1 of the world's most dangerous and unpredictable volcanoes. Night eruption, which started just a fewer minutes after midnight, sparked mass evacuation, red air alert and importantly affected the regular lives of residents and tourists.
An eruption that amazed even seismologists
First signs of increased seismic activity appeared June 1st around 10:00 p.m.When sensors located around the volcano began to registry violent shocks. Just 3 hours later, just before 1:00, it happened. volcanic explosionof which ash cloud reached a tallness of 6,400 meters – this data confirmed Volcanic Dust Advisory Centre in Toulouse (VAAC Toulouse).
Etna spit out into the sky giant amounts of black dust, forming a volcanic column visible from a distance of many kilometres. This event is now on alert. local emergency and monitoring services.
Tourist hell – dramatic escape scenes
The top chaos in the area Piano Vetore, a popular starting point for tourists winning Etna. As a consequence of the abrupt explosion, the area fell Small volcanic ash precipitation, forcing hundreds of people to immediate escape. Social media filled with recordings showing terrified tourists who They abandoned cars and equipment to leave the area under threat..
Official services have decided to evacuation of the full volcanic area, implementing pre-prepared contingency scenarios. Local authorities have called for Staying calmwhile informing against the treacherous nature of volcanic dustwhich can stay in the atmosphere for a long time.
Red air alert – a real threat to air traffic
VAAC in Toulouse announced red air alert level, which means the highest level of danger to air traffic. small ash may damage turbine engines, disrupt Operation of on-board instrumentsand at worst lead to stop engine operation.
Therefore, airlines have changed routes or completely suspended operations in the east region of Sicily. Especially hurt Catania airportwhich serves dozens of home and global flights daily. Experts point out that this is not the first time that Etna affects global air trafficBut this time event scale importantly impedes the fast return to normality.
Health at hazard – invisible enemy in the air
In addition to the spectacular spectacle, The eruption brought real wellness risks. Volcanic dust contains among others. silica and others toxic mineral compoundswhich may lead to:
- bronchitis and pneumonia
- exacerbations of asthma and COPD,
- silica (professional illness of miners),
- irritation of mucous membranes and skin.
CDC (Disease Control and Prevention Centre) issued a message informing against being in the open. Especially at hazard children, aged and patients with respiratory disease. Authorities recommended house sealing, protective masks and the usage of air cleaners.
Etna – a volcano that cannot be predicted
From above 3300 meters high and A past of thousands of years, Etna inactive remains one of the world's most active volcanoes. Only in the last 2 months before the eruption There have been respective smaller explosionswhich may have been the announcement of the current event.
Despite advanced monitoring by National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), accurate prediction of scale and timing of eruption remains a immense technological challenge. Thermal imaging systems, seismographs and satellite data are not always able to supply clear warnings.
The economical Effects of Disaster
The eruption besides has specific economical consequences. east Sicily lives from tourism – and Etna, paradoxically, is 1 of its main attractions. After Monday's eruption:
- travel agencies cancelled most trips in the volcano area,
- hotels and guesthouses had to evacuate guests,
- local companies lose tens of thousands of euros a day due to a suspended activity.
City Catania – the main tourist and transport centre of the region – struggles with traffic, rail and air disturbancesand with worsening air quality.
Coordinated consequence from the services
The authorities of Sicily, in cooperation with the Italian Government and European institutions, have launched a full procedure crisis management. The following actions were involved:
- Fire Department,
- Carabinieri and Police,
- medical and rescue services,
- Civil Defence Volunteers.
It besides works Civil Protection Operations Centrewhich monitor the situation 24/7 and print regular communications. In the most susceptible areas, temporary ones were created emergency centres.
Perspective for the following days
Although the eruption now seems to be weakening, scientists warnthat Etna may enter the prolonged activity phase. That means the threat isn't over yet. The next 72 hours will be decisive. seismic, thermal and atmospheric monitoring.
Everything indicates that Etna has set Sicily again on alert.and the events of June 2, 2025 will be Analysis of geologists, climatologists and emergency services for months.
Continued here:
Etna volcano eruption. An alarm has been issued in Sicily.