During previous eruptions, nearby towns have been covered in thick volcanic ash, however, the recent eruption has caused minimal disruption – aside from delays and the diverting of flights at Catania Airport, at the foot of Mount Etna.
Thousands of ‘danger tourists’ have travelled to the slopes of Mount Etna in Italy to witness explosive lava flows and breathtaking ash clouds after its latest eruption.
Etna’s most recent eruption, which began on the night of February 11, has sparked a sudden influx of hikers, photographers and volcanologists, who officials say pose a serious safety risk.
‘As darkness falls, the situation becomes extremely dangerous, with rising risks of falls and people sinking in the snow,’ he wrote in a Facebook post on Sunday night.
Cocina said the majority of tourists are ‘well accompanied by alpine and volcanological guides’ and blames the ‘careless behaviour of unprepared people’ for the accidents and calls for help.
