Mount Etna Awakens: A Massive Explosion

Written by: Keya Gambhir

Mount Etna, one of the world’s most active and closely watched volcanoes, erupted in spectacular fashion early Monday, June 2, 2025. The powerful volcanic blast sent columns of thick ash and smoke thousands of meters into the sky and caused panic among tourists on the mountain, some of whom were seen running down its slopes in dramatic video footage shared across social media.

The eruption began shortly before 4 a.m. local time, after volcanic tremors were detected starting around midnight. Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology reported that Mount Etna was experiencing Strombolian explosions, a type of volcanic activity that involves frequent bursts of lava and gases. These explosions intensified quickly in the early hours of the morning and were visible from several miles away.

Despite the frightening scenes, local authorities later confirmed that the eruption had ended by the afternoon. Still, a large amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) was left in the atmosphere, and ash clouds continued to drift above the region. The Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre in Toulouse, which monitors aviation hazards around the world, initially raised the aviation alert level to red, indicating significant danger. That alert was downgraded to yellow by the afternoon as the volcanic activity subsided and no new ash clouds were forming.

The ash plume reportedly reached an altitude of about 6,400 meters (over 21,000 feet), triggering widespread disruption to air travel in Sicily. Catania Airport, the busiest airport on the island, was forced to slow operations dramatically, reducing arrivals to just five per hour. Over 15,000 passengers were affected by delays and flight cancellations as a portion of the airspace around the volcano was temporarily closed.

This latest eruption is being described by experts as the most powerful since February 2021, making it one of the strongest events at Mount Etna in the last four years. Stefano Branca, director at the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, said the activity was marked by “intense volcanic behavior” and compared it to notable eruptions in 2021 and 2014.

Interestingly, not all tourists reacted with alarm. In a similar incident earlier this year, visitors had been spotted rushing toward the volcano for a better view shortly after it began spewing lava, raising concerns about public safety. Authorities have since warned against getting too close to active eruptions, even if they appear small or controlled.

On Monday, however, most tourists chose to flee. Video clips captured the moment dozens scrambled to escape the thick clouds of smoke that quickly enveloped parts of the mountain trail. Meanwhile, passengers flying to Sicily from Edinburgh reportedly saw the eruption from their airplane windows while preparing to land. One traveler said they didn’t realize what they were witnessing until they checked the news after landing.

Mount Etna is located on the east coast of Sicily, between the cities of Messina and Catania, and is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. It has erupted frequently throughout history and is constantly monitored by scientists due to its potential to affect both local populations and air traffic. The volcano is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and despite the risks, it remains a popular destination for hikers and tourists hoping to witness volcanic activity up close.

As of Monday evening, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) had not issued new travel warnings. However, they advised travelers in the region to follow instructions from local authorities, especially in the event of an evacuation. Their general guidance during volcanic events includes carrying key documents, staying informed, and avoiding restricted zones.

The situation now appears to be under control, but officials continue to monitor the region for signs of renewed activity. The recent eruption of Mount Etna served as a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictable power. While the event caused fear and disruption, prompting tourist evacuations, flight cancellations, and safety warnings, it also showcased the importance of monitoring volcanic activity and responding quickly to natural hazards. With the eruption now over, authorities continue to assess the aftermath and ensure public safety. As the ash settles, the incident reinforces the need for preparedness and respect when visiting active volcanic regions like Sicily’s iconic Mount Etna.