Tourists block rescue workers in front of an erupting volcano in Italy

Tourists block rescue workers in front of an erupting volcano in Italy

Last week, spectacular lava nuts on the snow -covered Mount Etna in Sicily, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, caused a sensation. Thousands of people flocked to observe the impressive natural spectacle.

A security risk for tourists

But the sudden rush of onlookers harbors considerable security risks. Salvo Cocina, head of the regional civil protection authority of Sicilia, commented on: "Most tourists are well equipped and are accompanied by alpine and volcanic guides. Nevertheless, there is also a steady influx of thousands that park wildly and on the narrow streets along the climb, which blocks the passage of emergency vehicles."

rescue operations and accidents

On Monday, eight people who tried without a guide had to ride the mountain for several hours before they were found by rescue workers for several hours. A few days earlier, a 48-year-old man injured his foot when he fell on ice. Cocina emphasized how important the constant presence of rescue workers, including 4 × 4 outpatient clinics and other off-road vehicles, is, both for the employees on the volcano and for the authorized guides.

active eruption phase and effects

The current eruptive phase began on February 11, as the National Institute for Geophysics and Vulkanology reported. Videos and photos of the Helloana -colored lava, which flows down the mountain slope, became viral after a group of hikers shared them on social media. Boris Behncke, a volcanologist of the ETNA observatory, reported that the lava fell at around 1,950 meters and destroyed trees near an access road.

Catania Airport and volcanic ash

Catania Airport had to redirect flights due to the ash clouds on Sunday and Monday, but has now resumed operations. The airport has to close several times a year due to the active volcano. In addition to its activity, the Mount Etna with a height of around 3,350 meters (almost 11,000 feet) is also the highest volcano in Europe.

consequences for air traffic 2023

In 2023, a cloud of Vulcanian ashes, which emitted by the volcano, led to closing one of the largest airports in Sicily, which led to delays, cancellations and diversions of flights.

This reporting was also supported by CNNS Duerte Mendonca.