"Many People Admire It but It's Quite Dangerous"..."You Could Lose Your Life" Warning Ignored for 인증샷
by Seo Jiyeong
Published 21 Feb.2025 20:26(KST)
Updated 21 Feb.2025 22:39(KST)
Despite Warnings of "Massive Explosion Risk," Crowds Gather
Some Even Ski Beside Flowing Lava
Authorities Troubled by Tourists Seeking Social Media Photos
Tourists are flocking to Mount Etna on the Italian island of Sicily, which recently began erupting, causing headaches for local authorities.
On the 20th (local time), foreign media including The New York Times (NYT) reported that thousands of photographers and hikers are gathering to witness the spectacular lava eruption of Mount Etna, which began erupting on the 8th.
Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe, has experienced intermittent small eruptions since a major eruption in 2009. The volcano is currently covered with snow, and when the snow on the surface meets the lava, it melts rapidly, generating high-pressure steam. The media explained that this high-pressure steam can cause massive explosions that can hurl rocks and lava over long distances. Notably, last week, lava erupted from the crater flowed through the thick snow and cold winter weather, extending up to 1000 meters in length.
Authorities regularly warn that when lava from the erupting volcano meets snow, explosive phenomena occur, making it extremely dangerous, and they advise keeping at least 500 meters away from the lava. However, tourists continue to approach the lava as closely as possible to take photos for social media posts. Recently, videos have even surfaced online showing people skiing on the slopes beside the volcano where bright red lava is flowing and volcanic ash is falling.
Meanwhile, casualties have also been occurring. On the 17th, eight tourists, including two minors, got lost and were rescued. On the 15th, four people got lost, and on the 16th, a man in his 40s fell and fractured his foot.
In response, Salvo Cocina, head of the Sicily Regional Civil Protection Department, issued a statement on the 16th warning, "Narrow roads are crowded with cars, preventing rescue vehicles from passing," and "As it gets dark, the risk of falls increases, and people may fall into the snow." Fabio Mancuso, mayor of nearby Adrano, also emphasized, "The lava has reached our jurisdiction," and "Many people are amazed by this natural phenomenon and try to get closer, but this is extremely dangerous."
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