Mount Etna in Sicily, Italy erupted violently today (June 2), shooting a significant amount of high-temperature gases, volcanic ash, and lava into the atmosphere, with eruption heights reaching several kilometers. The scenes were quite striking, with reports of explosions being heard in cities up to 40 to 50 kilometers away. Videos of tourists fleeing the eruption have gone viral on social media.

According to the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), initial observations indicate that the eruption caused a partial collapse on the northern slope of the southeastern crater. This area had also seen spectacular lava flows during eruptions months prior. The eruption began at 1 PM local time (7 PM Taiwan time) with high-temperature lava, consistent with recent eruptive patterns defined as "volcanic debris flow eruptions".

According to the Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre, ash plumes may reach heights of approximately 6,400 meters.

Currently, Sicily's civil protection agency has issued a Volcanic Advisory Notice (VONA) for air traffic, recommending that all flights avoid the area. However, as the current wind direction is not blowing ash towards the airports, both Palermo and Catania airports remain operational. Data from FlightRadar shows that some flights originally scheduled to land in Catania have been redirected to Palermo.

Mount Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, with increased activity noted in 2025. Newsweek reports that the volcano has experienced spectacular eruptions in February, April, and May of this year, producing lava flows and ash clouds. Italian authorities continue to closely monitor volcanic activity to ensure public safety. This eruption's extensive ash and lava ejection poses significant danger, causing panic among locals and tourists alike.