Mount Etna Erupts, Tourists Flee Ash Clouds Sicily

Mount Etna in Sicily erupted suddenly, spewing massive ash clouds and triggering a pyroclastic flow that forced tourists to flee for their lives. Videos captured on June 2 show visitors scrambling down the volcano's slopes amid thick ash and rock showers, with some tourists even pausing to take photos despite the danger. The Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology reported continuous and intensifying strombolian explosions starting early in the morning, accompanied by strong volcanic tremors overnight. A red aviation warning was briefly issued due to the eruption's ash cloud, which reached heights of over four miles, but was later downgraded to orange as conditions stabilized. The volcanic activity included a partial collapse of the southeastern crater, releasing molten rock avalanches and a lava fountain, though the pyroclastic flow remained confined to the volcano's slopes. Authorities continue monitoring the situation closely, emphasizing the power and unpredictability of Mount Etna's eruptions.