Authorities have downgraded an aviation warning after Mount Etna erupted earlier today (2 June), causing tourists to flee back down the mountain.
Social media videos showed people running away after a thick volcanic cloud appeared in the air above the volcano, on Sicily.
The Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre in Toulouse, France, which monitors aviation risks, issued a red aviation alert, warning that the ash cloud, packed with water vapour and sulphur dioxide, was drifting southwest and could impact flights.
It was swiftly downgraded to amber, meaning there is still a risk of disruption, especially for flights.
Catania Airport remains open, although travellers have been encouraged to remain vigilant and check the airport and their respective airline for updates.
Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) said the eruption began around 3.50am local time, following tremors that started around midnight.
Later in the day, at around 11.30am local time, a pyroclastic flow – an avalanche of hot rock, ash and gas – was seen on surveillance cameras.
Mayor of Catania, Enrico Tarantino said: “I spoke to the INGV and everything is normal and under control.
“There is no criticality, it is a phenomenon that repeats itself and, in light of the monitoring of the volcano, was already expected. So much so that access to the summit areas had been prevented.”
Image is a stock photo taken from Shutterstock
