A week of eruptions on Sicily's snow-capped Mount Etna, one of the world's most active volcanoes, has drawn thousands of people to see the spectacle of lava, A2 CNN reports. But the sudden influx of visitors has become a safety risk, according to Salvo Cocina, head of Sicily's regional civil protection agency.
Most tourists are well-equipped and accompanied by mountain guides and volcano experts, he told CNN, but "there is also a constant flow of thousands of people parking haphazardly and walking along the narrow roads, blocking the flow of rescue vehicles."
On Monday, eight people trying to climb the mountain without a guide were lost for several hours before being found, Cocina said. On Sunday, a 48-year-old man broke his leg after slipping on ice, he added.
He stressed that the constant presence of rescue teams, including ambulances for difficult terrain, is important for those working near the volcano and for guides who are authorized to take people up the mountain. "Their blocking has created a dangerous situation for everyone," he said.
According to the Italian Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, the latest eruptions began on February 11. Lava flowed as high as 1,950 meters, while Catania airport also diverted flights due to ash clouds on Sunday and Monday, according to the airport's account in X, but has now resumed all services. The airport closes several times a year due to volcanic activity.
In addition to being one of the most active volcanoes in the world, Mount Etna is also the highest volcano in Europe, with a height of about 3,350 meters. (A2 Televizion)
A2 CNN Livestream
MUND TE LEXONI GJITHASHTU
