Mount Etna erupted violently early Monday, June 2, 2025, unleashing towering plumes of ash and smoke into the Sicilian sky and triggering panic among tourists near the site. Europe’s most active volcano roared to life just before dawn, forcing authorities to issue high-level aviation alerts and restrict access to the summit region.
Lava Fountains and Ash Clouds Light Up the Night
According to Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), the Mount Etna eruption began around 3:50 a.m. local time, following intense seismic tremors that started at midnight. The volcano experienced strong strombolian explosions, a type of eruption characterized by rhythmic bursts of lava and gas.
Shortly after, a lava fountain emerged from the Southeast Crater, releasing pyroclastic flows, fast-moving avalanches of hot ash, gas, and volcanic rock. INGV confirmed that much of this activity originated from a partial collapse of the crater’s northern flank.
Tourists Run for Cover
Videos shared on social media show chaotic scenes as visitors on the slopes fled downhill, shielding themselves from falling ash and choking smoke. The eruption was visible for miles, with locals describing the blast as “thunderous” and “violent.”
While no injuries have been reported so far, emergency services have advised residents and travelers in the surrounding regions to avoid unnecessary exposure to the ash cloud.
Aviation Alert Issued
The Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre in Toulouse immediately issued a “code red” alert for aviation, warning that ash had reached heights of over 6,400 meters (21,000 feet). Pilots in the region have been told to reroute or proceed with caution due to the risk to jet engines and visibility.
Local Authorities Say Situation Is “Under Control”
In a statement, Catania’s mayor Enrico Tarantino assured citizens that the eruption, while powerful, was anticipated and under control. “It is a phenomenon that repeats itself and, in light of monitoring, was expected,” he said, confirming that access to the summit had already been restricted prior to the eruption.
How Dangerous Is Volcanic Smoke?
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that exposure to volcanic gases and ash can cause a range of health problems, from eye and throat irritation to more severe respiratory issues. Short-term exposure can lead to dizziness, difficulty breathing, and vomiting, while long-term exposure may increase the risk of chronic lung conditions.
Eruption Follows Weeks of Activity
Mount Etna has been unusually active in recent months, with the Volcano Discovery website reporting at least a dozen eruptive phases in April and May. Monday’s blast, however, marks one of the most intense episodes in recent memory.
This eruption adds to the geological legacy of the volcano, which dominates the east coast of Sicily between the cities of Messina and Catania. Etna is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its continuous volcanic activity and importance to the study of Earth’s internal processes.
What’s Next?
Authorities continue to monitor the volcano closely. No mass evacuations have been ordered yet, but contingency plans are in place should the activity escalate. In the meantime, air travel disruptions and localized ashfall are expected in the coming days.
If you’re currently in or around the region:
- Avoid outdoor activity during ashfall
- Use N95 masks or cloths to protect your lungs
- Keep windows and doors closed
- Follow updates from Italy’s Civil Protection Agency
Final Word
While Mount Etna’s eruptions are not unusual, this latest blast is a sobering reminder of the raw, unpredictable power of nature. For scientists, it’s an opportunity to study volcanic behavior in real time. For locals and tourists, it’s a dramatic wake-up call, Sicily’s most iconic volcano is very much alive.
