Eight people rescued on Mount Etna as lava spectators cause traffic jams, Italy

Around 100 people gathered at Piano Vetore, a prime location to view Etna’s lava flow, on February 16 and 17, causing severe congestion that prevented emergency vehicles from passing. The congestion was particularly problematic after rescue teams began responding to multiple distress calls.

On the evening of February 17, eight people, including two minors from Bronte, lost their way near the Rifugio Galvarina. Firefighters from Adrano successfully located them and transported them back to their parked cars by the morning of February 18.

Another rescue was carried out in the Biancavilla area late February 17, when a person suffered a suspected fracture after a fall. Emergency teams from Paternò were deployed to assist.

Despite mayoral ordinances prohibiting access to the lava zone for safety reasons, thousands continued to ascend the volcano, often unprepared for the harsh and icy conditions.

The regional director of Civil Protection, Salvatore Cocina, described the situation as “dangerous,” with cars parked haphazardly along the roads.

The National Alpine and Speleological Rescue Corps (CNSAS) reported multiple nightly rescue operations because of lost or injured visitors. In one case, a family suffering from exhaustion was transported using a BV-206 tracked vehicle provided by the Rangers Europa Association of Nicolosi.

Civil Protection Department activated four associations to assist residents of Belpasso, Ragalna, Nicolosi, and Adrano. Local municipalities, including Belpasso, Adrano, and Biancavilla, dispatched police patrols to manage traffic at Piano Vetore and deployed a snowcat for emergency rescues.

Cocina warned that many visitors lacked proper equipment, increasing the risk of accidents.

The Sicilian Alpine and Speleological Rescue Corps urged compliance with mayoral ordinances, focusing on the dangers posed by both the volcanic activity and harsh environmental conditions.

This eruptive phase at Etna began on February 6 from a fissure at the base of the Bocca Nuova crater, at approximately 3 050 m (10 000 feet) above sea level, producing lava flow advancing southward toward Mount Frumento Supino.

A strong explosive eruption was registered at 09:30 UTC on February 12, prompting authorities to raise the Aviation Color Code from Orange to Red.

Volcanic ashfall was reported in residential areas between February 16 and 17, though no property damage was documented. In response, the Crisis Unit implemented temporary airspace closures near the volcano, which impacted flight operations at Catania Airport.

Air sectors south and southwest of the volcano were closed on February 16, halting incoming flights until at least 21:00 UTC while outbound flights proceeded for aircraft already at the airport.

Air traffic resumed partially on February 17, but authorities maintained a no-fly zone in the southeast until 17:30 UTC. Restrictions were lifted on February 18, with full restoration of flights in eastern sectors.

References:

¹ Etna, lava flow, rescuers intervene to help 8 lost people – etna news 24 – February 18, 2025

² Too many people want to see the lava of snow-covered Etna up close – il POST – February 17, 2025

³ Etna Eruption – Updates February 18 – aeroporto di catania – February 18, 2025

Rishika Yadav

Rishika holds a Master’s in International Studies from Stella Maris College, Chennai, India, where she earned a gold medal, and an MCA from the University of Mysore, Karnataka, India. Previously, she served as a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India. During her tenure, she contributed as a Junior Writer for Europe Monitor on the Global Politics website and as an Assistant Editor for The World This Week. Her work has also been published in The Hindu newspaper, showing her expertise in global affairs. Rishika is also a recipient of the Women Empowerment Award at the district level in Haryana, India, in 2022.

This author does not have any more posts.