Eruption Sends Pyroclastic Cloud Into Sky
Mount Etna erupted on Monday, producing a vast cloud of ash, gas and volcanic rock above Sicily. The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) confirmed the eruption began at 11.24am local time. Surveillance cameras captured the eruption and recorded a pyroclastic flow from the volcano’s south-east crater. INGV stated the flow was likely triggered by a material collapse on the northern flank of the crater.
Smoke clouds formed by the volcanic eruption
Authorities Monitor Pyroclastic Flow Closely
A pyroclastic flow, composed of hot gases, ash and volcanic rock, surged from the volcano’s crater. Officials confirmed the flow did not pass the Valley of the Lions, a location frequently visited by tourists. Renato Schifani, president of Sicily, said experts reassured him there was “no danger for the population.” Schifani stated, “The partial collapse of the south-east crater, which generated an impressive eruptive cloud several kilometres high and a pyroclastic flow, is a phenomenon that we follow with extreme caution.”
🌋 BREAKING:
Mount Etna erupts TODAY, June 2, 2025, unleashing lava fountains and a rare pyroclastic flow near Catania, Sicily!
Tourists scramble to safety as ash plumes hit 6,400m, darkening the sky.
No towns at risk, but Catania’s airport may close.
Etna’s fury stuns the… pic.twitter.com/UBy5b6QObC— Dreams N Science (@dreamsNscience) June 2, 2025
Tourists Flee As Ash Cloud Rises
Videos circulating online showed tourists descending the volcano quickly after the explosion began. Several tourists appeared to capture the eruption on their phones as they moved away from danger. AFP could not verify the authenticity of the footage, though it showed panic among the visitors. A tour guide with Go Etna, Giuseppe Panfallo, filmed his group during the eruption. “We were nearly grazed, look at this cloud here. We were two steps away and thank goodness we have a responsible guide with us,” Panfallo said in the video shared with CNN. “It arrived all at once, an immense smoke, immense, immense roar,” he added.
This morning: Another dramatic scene unfolds as Mount Etna’s massive eruption, with a powerful blast, sends tourists running for safety in Italy 🇮🇹 🌋
Reckless tourists ignored danger signs, then scrambled in panic when Mount Etna erupted. pic.twitter.com/D1LAlF29pu
— Weather Monitor (@WeatherMonitors) June 2, 2025
Rescue Agencies Take Precautionary Measures
The regional civil protection unit began contacting all local tour operators after the eruption. Sicilian authorities confirmed about a dozen tour operators work on Etna on any given day. The civil protection head, Salvo Cocina, urged tourists to avoid the area due to evolving volcanic activity. Authorities closed many roads near the volcano to stop people from approaching the eruption site. Emergency teams remained active around the volcano to manage public safety and monitor developments.
🇮🇹 Meanwhile in Italy
Mount Etna just erupted again as tourists frantically flee the side of the volcano.
Millions more tonnes of natural Co2 spewing into the atmosphere – but please keep believing yhat your red meat consumption is changing the weather. pic.twitter.com/O5PsLZgxXp
— Concerned Citizen (@BGatesIsaPyscho) June 2, 2025
Aviation and Airport Impact
Authorities issued a red alert for aviation due to the ash cloud rising 6.5 kilometres into the atmosphere. Catania and Palermo airports remained open despite the eruption, as winds pushed ash away from the area. FlightRadar data showed some Catania flights were redirected to Palermo to ensure safe air travel. The Sicilian Civil Protection Agency advised aircraft to avoid the volcanic zone during the eruption.
Observatory Tracks Lava and Explosions
Around 1pm local time, the volcano started spewing hot lava, consistent with previous eruptions. INGV described the eruption as a pyroclastic event with increased volcanic tremors and lava fountains. The observatory reported a “significant increase in volcanic tremor and the formation of an eruptive column.” This column included “a lethal mixture of high-temperature gases, lava grains, volcanic ash, and rock fragments.” Explosions from the eruption were audible as far as Taormina and Catania, 50 and 40 kilometres away. None of the ash was expected to fall on Catania, according to the city’s mayor, Enrico Tarantino.
VOLCANO ERUPTION:
CCTV footage captured the moment Mount Etna erupted, sending steam and ash into the sky over Italy today. The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology said the collapse of material from the flank of a crater most likely caused the cloud. pic.twitter.com/QZihnfOwXp— 2 News Nevada (@KTVN) June 2, 2025
Eruption Marks Most Intense Activity Since 2014
Authorities confirmed this was the most powerful eruption on Mount Etna since 2014. Mount Etna is one of the world’s most active volcanoes and remains under constant observation. INGV noted these eruptions often stop as suddenly as they begin. However, Monday’s activity continued with lava and increased tremors across the region.
Popular Tourist Destination Remains Under Watch
Mount Etna draws about 1.5 million visitors annually, many climbing close to the summit. Local officials remain cautious and ready to act should volcanic conditions worsen. The eruption has reignited discussions around tourism safety and emergency preparedness. Authorities remain focused on monitoring the volcano and protecting the local population and visitors.
