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ARCHIVE - Plumes of smoke over the volcano Etna on the Italian Mediterranean island of Sicily. Photo: Giuseppe Distefano/AP/dpa/Archive image
Keystone
Due to overly careless tourists, a minimum distance now applies on Mount Etna on the Mediterranean island of Sicily - Europe's most active volcano: with immediate effect, it is forbidden to come within 50 meters of the lava flows in the upper areas. Over the past few days, whole groups of excursionists have been walking at an altitude of around 2,300 meters in the immediate vicinity of the currently most active lava tongue. Many got closer and closer to take good pictures with their cell phones.
The mayor of the Etna community of Biancavilla, Antonio Bonanno, has now issued a decree restricting access. According to the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, the most advanced lava front is currently located on the territory of his municipality, above the so-called Grotta degli Archi (Cave of the Arches). Explosions occur there from time to time. No one has been injured so far.
"Admire yes - challenge no"
The mayor assured that Mount Etna will remain accessible - but only under safe conditions and with strict rules. Accompanied by mountain guides or volcanologists, excursions are still permitted if protective equipment including a helmet is worn. "Mount Etna is an extraordinary natural heritage, but also a constantly changing reality," said Bonnano. "Admire yes - challenge no. Everyone must take responsibility."
The volcano on the Italian Mediterranean island is more than 3,300 meters high. Its height is constantly changing due to eruptions and cinder cones. Etna has been rumbling again since the beginning of the month. There have been several spectacular eruptions in the past centuries. According to historical records, more than 20,000 people died in what is believed to be the worst catastrophe in 1669.
21.08.2025, 17:31
