In brief
On Monday, travelers on the popular Sicilian island had to flee from Mount Etna, one of Europe's most active volcanoes, after it erupted, releasing clouds of gas, rock, and ash. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries. Social media videos depicted frantic hikers hurrying down the slopes as eruptions sent plumes skyward. More than 20% of flights at nearby Catania Airport experienced delays, although officials assured that the local population was not at risk. The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology issued a statement confirming that the volcanic activity was concentrated near the summit—a tourist-accessible area that was already closed off. Observers near the town of Milo witnessed the eruption, which was reported to have ended later in the day.
