A state of emergency has been declared in Sicily following an eruption of Mount Etna, which has shown heightened activity in recent hours.

Videos from the scene show tourists frantically running to escape the ash cloud and gases, trying to get to safety.

In the most active volcano in Europe over the past few hours, continuous eruptions of increasing intensity have been recorded. Today’s eruption is classified as Strombolian, meaning it involves frequent, explosive releases of lava and gases—though not a massive destructive event.

What the Italian Geophysical and Volcanological Institute reports

The Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology issued a statement on Monday morning regarding the eruptions at Mount Etna.

“Over the last few hours, the activity mentioned in the previous report issued at 4:14 a.m. (3:14 a.m. BST) has continued with Strombolian-type eruptions of increasing intensity. Currently, these eruptions are strong and nearly continuous.

In recent hours, a small amount of fine ash has fallen in the Piano Vetore area.”

Mount Etna, located on the eastern coast of Sicily, is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and in the past five years, it has been particularly active.

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