Mount Etna, Europe’s largest and most active volcano, has become a spectacle for thousands of tourists eager to witness its dramatic eruptions. However, this influx of visitors has sparked significant safety concerns. Dozens of tourists have been seen near the lava flow, with some even skiing dangerously close to the molten front. The lava has melted the snow on the slopes, creating streams that add to the perilous conditions.
Local authorities, including the mayor of Belpasso, Carlo Caputo, have expressed alarm over the tourists' proximity to the lava flow. Their concerns are echoed by Sicily's head of regional civil protection, Salvo Cocina, who described the tourism as "wild" and "extremely dangerous." The situation has been exacerbated by tourists parking along narrow streets, blocking access for rescue vehicles.
"Though visually striking, it exposes them to serious risks, as the lava, interacting with the snow, can instantly vaporise it and, with the thermal energy released, may violently hurl fragments or rocks." – Carlo Caputo
The chaotic scene is not limited to Mount Etna alone. The nearby town of Roccaraso recently faced similar challenges when over 10,000 visitors descended in a single day, leading to overcrowding and chaos. The mayor had to implement measures to curb the influx of day-trippers, and firefighters were called in to assist locals in managing the situation.
In response to these dangers, mayors of towns situated on the volcano's slopes issued directives for visitors to maintain a safe distance of at least 500 meters from the lava. Unfortunately, these safety instructions have been largely ignored by many tourists. This disregard for safety measures has resulted in several incidents. Eight individuals, including two minors, got lost during an excursion on Mount Etna and were only found hours later. Additionally, a 48-year-old man suffered a fractured foot from a fall on the treacherous terrain.
"As darkness falls, the situation becomes extremely dangerous, with rising risks of falls and people sinking into the snow." – Salvo Cocina
The allure of Mount Etna's spectacular eruptions has captivated thousands of tourists who have flocked to witness the natural phenomenon. However, this fascination comes at a cost. Four people went missing on Mount Etna just the previous night, highlighting the ongoing risks associated with such ventures.