• Mount Etna erupted, sending ash clouds up to 21,325 feet into the atmosphere.
• Tourists were evacuated from the volcano's slopes; no injuries reported.
• Catania Airport experienced delays, but flights remained operational.

On June 2, Sicily's Mount Etna erupted dramatically, releasing a vast cloud of ash and gas that soared several kilometers high, with estimates placing it at about 21,325 feet, impacting aviation alerts in the region, particularly near Catania Airport. Thankfully, authorities reported that there was no immediate danger to the local population, although the area experienced disruptions due to thick ash fallout, leading to evacuations of tourists from the volcano's slopes, according to latimes and npr.

In light of the eruption, which some witnesses described as explosive and alarming, with plumes of gas and heated rocks visible from various vantage points, the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology indicated the explosions were confined to the summit, suggesting that there was no immediate peril beyond the volcanic area itself. With its long history of eruptions, Mount Etna's activity is often closely monitored, which allows authorities to manage the risks effectively, reports nytimes and indiatimes.

Despite the eruption, local officials reassured that traveling to Sicily remains safe, as they have experience managing such events. The Catania Airport, located near Etna, continued operations amidst flight delays, with authorities recommending that travelers stay informed of flight statuses and adhere to health precautions due to ash fallout. Ground transport services may also experience temporary disruptions due to ash visibility concerns, according to nytimes and indiatimes.