• Mount Etna erupted on June 2, sending towering clouds of ash into the sky.
• The eruption didn't pose immediate danger to the local population, but disrupted travel around Sicily.
• Authorities recommend tourists stay informed and heed local advice regarding safety.

Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano located in Sicily, erupted violently on June 2, resulting in large clouds of ash and lava fountaining into the atmosphere. The eruption, described as a Strombolian event, sent ash plumes several kilometers high, as recorded by Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) at about 21,325 feet. This eruption followed a period of increased seismic activity and was characterized by "almost continuous" explosions, as reported by multiple sources including Newsweek and CBS News.

The onset of the eruption prompted chaos among tourists, many of whom fled down the mountain as ash billowed overhead. Video footage showed visitors scrambling for safety, capturing the dramatic scene as the eruption unfolded. Thankfully, officials report no injuries, and the local population has been deemed safe, according to coverage from AA and Dawn.

Travel operations experienced disruptions as Catania Airport reported delays and cancellations amidst a red alert for aviation due to the ash cloud's potential impact. However, officials downgraded the alert later in the day, reassuring that the airport remained operational and that the ash cloud was moving away from populated areas, as noted by BBC and SCMP.

Despite the chaotic initial response, local authorities affirmed that the situation is being monitored closely, and the risk to residents is minimal. Tours have been suspended near the summit while the volcanic activity is assessed. As stated by local officials, the area frequently experiences eruptions, and the infrastructure is equipped to handle such situations, supporting tourism albeit with precautionary measures in place, according to India Times and LA Times.