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SBS Australia
08-06-2025
- SBS Australia
For lava chasers and the volcano curious, is the thrill worth the risk?
People viewing the lava field after Iceland's Mount Fagradalsfjall volcano erupted after 800 years in 2021. Source: Getty / Sophia Groves When Italy's Mt Etna erupted this week, it put on the kind of spectacular display that can stir fanatics and the volcano-curious into taking a closer look at some of the world's most awe-inspiring attractions. Amid signs volcano tourism is growing more popular, researchers and travel experts warn there are very real risks to visiting those that don't lie dormant. "There was a big explosion and a crater collapsed but luckily it fell into a deserted area," Salvo Cocina, the head of Sicily's Civil Protection Department, told the Reuters news agency. "It's very hard to block access, you can't fence it off," he added. Cocina said dozens of hikers had ventured on to Etna despite a warning of increased signs of volcanic activity being issued early that day. Mt Etna's eruption was "strombolian", Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology said, and produced what might be "one of the most famous pyroclastic flows of our time", Boris Behncke, a volcanologist at the agency, wrote on X. That moniker comes from Italy's Mt Stromboli, which boatloads of tourists visit every year. Many climb up to the summit to experience the thrill of witnessing the dance of fire and ash at this active volcano which has "exhibited nearly constant lava fountains for the past 2,000 years", according to the Global Volcanism program. It has left an everlasting impact on volcanology, in that continuous but mild volcanic activity has come to be known as 'strombolian activity', in which volcanoes fling pieces of very hot rock (as high as 800C) and blobs of lava far and wide. "When volcanoes like Etna in Italy and Kilauea in Hawaii erupt spectacularly like they did this year, there are increased enquiries for tours," said John Seach, an Australian vulcanologist and astrophysicist, who have been in the volcano tour business for 40 years and visited over 200 volcanoes. Not only is Mt Etna a popular tourist attraction — with some reports suggesting it attracts upwards of a million visitors each year — it is also "one of the most active volcanoes on earth and a reasonably frequently-erupting one," said Prof Teresa Ubide Garralda, a volcano scientist at the University of Queensland. "The current activity started in March and has been on and off since then," Garralda said. She said that even though countries have effective monitoring systems in place around active volcanoes, it is difficult to precisely forecast the exact time of an eruption. "Earthquakes triggered by the movement of magma inside the volcano, images of inflation or deflation in the ground and the emission of gases can help forecast potential eruptions but it's difficult to accurately say exactly when that happens," she said. Volcanoes attract million of tourists from around the world, according to the British Geological Survey, and there are signs popularity has grown over time. In Iceland, one of the most volcanically active places in the world, foreign tourist numbers grew from around 488,600 in 2010 to about 2.25 million in 2024. Numbers have hovered around the 2 million mark since 2017, though they dipped between 2020 and 2022 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many countries closed their borders before gradually reopening. Interest has also picked up among Australians since international borders repoened, according to Brett Mitchell, the ANZ managing direction of Intrepid Tours, which sells tours that include volcano experiences. He said there's been a 54 per cent increase in bookings since 2023. When Indonesia's Marapi volcano suddenly erupted in late 2023, there were 75 people hikers on the mountain at the time. Some 24 of them, including young university students, died, according to an ABC report. In 2019, New Zealand's Whakaari, also known as White Island, erupted during a tour group visit. Forty-seven people were on the island at the time and 22 of them, including 17 Australians, died. The others were seriously injured. Judge Evangelos Thomas presided over the subsequent trial brought by New Zealand's workplace health and safety regulator. When it ended in March last year, he said several tour operators and the island's owners, Whakaari Management Limited, had "used an active volcano to make money". He also said one tour operator had not adequately briefed tourists on safety information. Some NZ$10.21 million ($9.56 million) in reparations were ordered to be paid to families of victims and survivors. Whakaari Management Limited, who was ordered to pay $4.57 million of the total figure, appealed that decision. New Zealand's High Court quashed the conviction and its share of the payments in February, with a judge reasoning it did not manage or control the walking tour workplace. Prof Raymond Cas, an emeritus professor at Monash University and one of Australia's leading volcanologist, was engaged as an expert by families of victims and survivors during the trial. "With Whakaari, tourists weren't warned they could die in the event of an eruption," Cas said. "It was clear the information given to those tourists was inadequate. The island is very remote and the tour involves walking inside an amphitheatre-like crater with no exit. The tourist brochure painted the experience as a volcanic wonderland, making it sound very much like the geothermal areas in Rotorua," added Cas, who has visited Whakaari many times as a student and researcher. Cas said the tourists were also not told that a few nights before the tragedy, there was a significant explosive event in which deposits inundated the crater area. He said: "The tour guides weren't qualified vulcanologists — if you're leading a tour group in an active volcano, you must be adequately trained. As far as I'm aware, there's no requirement for volcano tour guides to be qualified vulcanologists." He believes that's "totally unethical". "People don't fully understand the danger. They're making assumptions that because tours are being offered, they must be safe. And that the government and tour operators have done the due diligence regarding legal requirements and other compliance," he said. Seach, who sits at a unique intersection of being a vulcanologist, avid lava chaser and experienced tour guide, says seeing an eruption is "one of the greatest sights in nature, but the challenge must be accepted with common sense and knowledge of the risks". He said participants on his tours travel at their own risk. "All reasonable care is taken on tours, but volcanic activity is unpredictable, and no guarantee can be made about safety on an active volcano. A decision to climb an erupting volcano should be based on a risk-benefit analysis," reads a part of the safety note he provides his tour group members. Travel and tourism New Zealand Share this with family and friends
Euronews
05-06-2025
- Euronews
Nine injured after violent turbulence hits Ryanair flight in Germany
Severe storms in southern Germany forced a Ryanair flight to make an emergency landing late Wednesday after violent turbulence injured nine people on board, German police said in a statement Thursday. The flight, travelling from Berlin to Milan with 179 passengers and six crew members, encountered turbulence so intense around 8:30 pm that the pilot was forced to make an unscheduled landing at Memmingen Airport in Bavaria. Eight passengers and one crew member were hurt. Three people were taken to the hospital in Memmingen for treatment; the other injured people were released after receiving outpatient treatment. As a precaution, all passengers were checked for injuries by the emergency services. Authorities did not permit the plane to continue flying, and the airline arranged bus transport for passengers. Milan is about 380 kilometres south of Memmingen. Elsewhere in the region, storms damaged several homes in Ulm, Baden-Württmberg, according to the German news agency dpa. In the Donaustetten district, strong winds tore roofs off multiple row houses, rendering them uninhabitable, though no injuries were reported. Fire officials suspect a small tornado or waterspout caused the damage. The German Weather Service (DWD) is investigating, according to dpa. Storm-related emergency calls also came from other areas in southern Germany, where damage was mostly limited to fallen trees and flooded basements. The DWD warned of further storms on Thursday, 5 June, with hail, strong winds, and localised heavy rain expected. Despite warnings to stay away, hikers on Mount Etna were forced to flee this week after Italy's most active volcano erupted. Footage from the mountain shared on social media showed tourists scurrying down the slopes as ash rose into the sky. Authorities had issued alerts on Monday morning after signs of increased volcanic activity, but dozens ignored them and climbed toward the summit anyway. 'There was a big explosion and a crater collapsed but luckily it fell into a deserted area,' said Salvo Cocina, head of Sicily's Civil Protection Department. 'It's very hard to block access [to Mount Etna] – you can't fence it off.' No one was injured and the alert level was lowered to the standard 'yellow' on Tuesday. Experiencing a close-up volcanic eruption is a bucket-list event, and Mount Etna offers one of the most accessible opportunities to do it. At 3,350 metres tall and 35 kilometres wide, the Sicilian giant frequently rumbles to life, offering a front-row seat to nature's raw power. Even when it's active, many trails and paths remain safe to climb. '[The experience is] a mix of awe and adrenaline,' says mountain guide Saro Trovato, who safely – and legally – climbed Mount Etna when it erupted in February. 'Even from a distance, you can feel the heat radiating from fresh lava flows.' But above 2,500 metres, hikers are legally required to travel with a qualified mountain guide, who can keep visitors safe as well as informed. On Tuesday, many hikers were as high as 2,700 metres above sea level. Conditions can change quickly on the mountain. On Monday, a pyroclastic flow – a fast-moving surge of gas, rock and ash – travelled two kilometres down the mountainside. It didn't go further than the Valle del Leone, a natural containment area for lava flows, but any changes could have led to catastrophe. Tourism presents other problems during eruptions, too. In February, Cocina said that tourists parked on narrow roads around Mount Etna had blocked access for emergency vehicles. Firefighters had to be deployed to manage the growing crowds. This is why the authorities mandate mountain guides such as Trovato, who receive real-time updates from volcanologists and rescue teams and are trained to respond if conditions suddenly change. 'Always check volcanic activity updates from local authorities and respect any access restrictions,' he advises. Especially when the volcano starts to stir.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Hikers ignored warnings before Mount Etna's latest eruption, Sicilian officials say
Despite warnings to stay away, hikers on Mount Etna were forced to flee this week after Italy's most active volcano erupted. Footage from the mountain shared on social media showed tourists scurrying down the slopes as ash rose into the sky. Authorities had issued alerts on Monday morning after signs of increased volcanic activity, but dozens ignored them and climbed toward the summit anyway. 'There was a big explosion and a crater collapsed but luckily it fell into a deserted area,' said Salvo Cocina, head of Sicily's Civil Protection Department. 'It's very hard to block access [to Mount Etna] – you can't fence it off.' No one was injured and the alert level was lowered to the standard 'yellow' on Tuesday. Experiencing a close-up volcanic eruption is a bucket-list event, and Mount Etna offers one of the most accessible opportunities to do it. At 3,350 metres tall and 35 kilometres wide, the Sicilian giant frequently rumbles to life, offering a front-row seat to nature's raw power. Even when it's active, many trails and paths remain safe to climb. '[The experience is] a mix of awe and adrenaline,' says mountain guide Saro Trovato, who safely – and legally – climbed Mount Etna when it erupted in February. 'Even from a distance, you can feel the heat radiating from fresh lava flows.' Related Crete earthquake: Is it safe to travel to the Greek island following second tremor in a month? Is it safe to travel to Naples? Italy plans for possible evacuations from super volcano But above 2,500 metres, hikers are legally required to travel with a qualified mountain guide, who can keep visitors safe as well as informed. On Tuesday, many hikers were as high as 2,700 metres above sea level. Conditions can change quickly on the mountain. On Monday, a pyroclastic flow – a fast-moving surge of gas, rock and ash – travelled two kilometres down the mountainside. It didn't go further than the Valle del Leone, a natural containment area for lava flows, but any changes could have led to catastrophe. Tourism presents other problems during eruptions, too. In February, Cocina said that tourists parked on narrow roads around Mount Etna had blocked access for emergency vehicles. Firefighters had to be deployed to manage the growing crowds. This is why the authorities mandate mountain guides such as Trovato, who receive real-time updates from volcanologists and rescue teams and are trained to respond if conditions suddenly change. 'Always check volcanic activity updates from local authorities and respect any access restrictions,' he advises. Especially when the volcano starts to stir.
Euronews
04-06-2025
- Business
- Euronews
Mount Etna's latest eruption sparks tourism concerns
Despite warnings to stay away, hikers on Mount Etna were forced to flee this week after Italy's most active volcano erupted. Footage from the mountain shared on social media showed tourists scurrying down the slopes as ash rose into the sky. Authorities had issued alerts on Monday morning after signs of increased volcanic activity, but dozens ignored them and climbed toward the summit anyway. 'There was a big explosion and a crater collapsed but luckily it fell into a deserted area,' said Salvo Cocina, head of Sicily's Civil Protection Department. 'It's very hard to block access [to Mount Etna] – you can't fence it off.' No one was injured and the alert level was lowered to the standard 'yellow' on Tuesday. Experiencing a close-up volcanic eruption is a bucket-list event, and Mount Etna offers one of the most accessible opportunities to do it. At 3,350 metres tall and 35 kilometres wide, the Sicilian giant frequently rumbles to life, offering a front-row seat to nature's raw power. Even when it's active, many trails and paths remain safe to climb. '[The experience is] a mix of awe and adrenaline,' says mountain guide Saro Trovato, who safely – and legally – climbed Mount Etna when it erupted inFebruary. 'Even from a distance, you can feel the heat radiating from fresh lava flows.' But above 2,500 metres, hikers are legally required to travel with a qualified mountain guide, who can keep visitors safe as well as informed. On Tuesday, many hikers were as high as 2,700 metres above sea level. Conditions can change quickly on the mountain. On Monday, a pyroclastic flow – a fast-moving surge of gas, rock and ash – travelled two kilometres down the mountainside. It didn't go further than the Valle del Leone, a natural containment area for lava flows, but any changes could have led to catastrophe. Tourism presents other problems during eruptions, too. In February, Cocina said that tourists parked on narrow roads around Mount Etna had blocked access for emergency vehicles. Firefighters had to be deployed to manage the growing crowds. This is why the authorities mandate mountain guides such as Trovato, who receive real-time updates from volcanologists and rescue teams and are trained to respond if conditions suddenly change. 'Always check volcanic activity updates from local authorities and respect any access restrictions,' he advises. Especially when the volcano starts to stir. Across Europe, more travellers are choosing to see the continent from the bicycle saddle. The once-niche endurance sport is now a growing form of low-impact, eco-friendly travel that's gaining momentum as Europe embraces more sustainable ways to move and explore. In fact, cycling tourism accounts for an estimated 2.3 billion trips across the EU each year, according to the European Cyclists' Federation (ECF), from multi-day bikepacking adventures to leisurely riverside rides that go far beyond the city commute. In honour of World Bicycle Day today, 3 June, there's no better time to embrace a form of travel that's as good for your well-being as it is for the world around you. A love for cycling is deeply embedded in Europe's DNA. This is the continent of the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia and La Vuelta a España, after all. But the recent surge in two-wheeled travel isn't about elite stage races alone. Increasingly, everyday travellers are planning cycling holidays around slow, scenic routes that offer a more immersive, eco-friendly way to explore the world. According to the ECF, cycling tourism now generates more than €44 billion annually and supports thousands of small businesses, from rural guesthouses to bike rental shops. In many cases, cyclists help extend tourism beyond the usual hotspots, bringing off-season or additional income to lesser-visited towns and regions. And if you add in economic gains from better health and fuel savings, the ECF estimates that cycling produces €150 billion in total benefits for Europe. The benefits of cycling tourism go beyond economics, too. Riding a bike even for short trips supports several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), from reducing carbon emissions to improving physical and mental health, and creating more inclusive and accessible transport systems. It's no wonder travellers are increasingly swapping long drives and flights for open-air experiences that tread lightly and prioritise well-being. At the heart of Europe's cycling renaissance is EuroVelo, a continent-wide network of long-distance cycle routes designed to promote sustainable travel and build a better-connected Europe. Once complete, the network will span nearly 61,000 kilometres, connecting the continent via 17 themed routes developed and coordinated by the ECF. As of 2023, over 56,000 kilometres were already in place, mostly along dedicated cycleways or quiet, low-traffic roads enhanced by new bike-friendly lanes. Each route has a distinct identity. EuroVelo 1, the Atlantic Coast Route, hugs Europe's western seaboard for more than 10,600 kilometres, running from northern Norway, across the UK and Ireland, through France and Spain and ending in Portugal. EuroVelo 6, the Rivers Route, follows the Loire, Rhine and Danube through the centre of the continent before reaching the Black Sea. And EuroVelo 13, the so-called Iron Curtain Trail, links former Cold War borders all the way to the edges of Turkey and Greece, turning a once-divisive line into a path of discovery. EuroVelo is continuing to expand across the continent. In 2023, the ECF announced plans for EuroVelo 16, a nearly 1,900-kilometre Iberian Cycle Route. By 2028, the route will connect Lisbon and Pamplona with a journey through Alentejo, Toledo, Madrid and the foothills of the Pyrenees. But other routes are proving just as popular. The 10-year-old Bay Cycle Way, a 130-kilometre path connecting Walney Island in Barrow-in-Furness with Glasson Dock in Lancaster, attracts three million riders a year, according to its founders, the Morecambe Bay Partnership. Now, national governments are also stepping up. The UK announced nearly €355 million in funding in February to improve walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure in England. The investment will add 300 miles of new routes, create safer crossings and provide free cycling training for hundreds of thousands of schoolchildren. The city of Manchester is going a step further, aiming to make so-called 'active travel' routes widely accessible through its Bee Network of walking, cycling, bus and tram routes. 'Our plan to connect 95 per cent of our residents to within 400 metres of high-quality active travel routes is arguably the boldest in the country,' said Manchester's mayor, Andy Burnham, in a statement. As governments invest in cycle-friendly infrastructure and more travellers seek meaningful, lower-impact ways to explore, cycling stands out for its simplicity and reach. Whether it's a weekend ride along the Danube or a month-long journey from Norway to Portugal, cycling is becoming both a tourism asset and a public good that lets you experience Europe with fresh eyes and a lighter footprint.
The Independent
03-06-2025
- General
- The Independent
Tourists ignored warning signs before Mount Etna eruptions
Tourists have been reminded to check for warnings before climbing towards the summit of Italy's Mount Etna after an eruption sent plumes of ash into the sky and hikers scurrying for safety. The volcano is Europe's most active, and the continent's largest and attracts hikers and backpackers to its slopes while less adventurous tourists can take it in from a distance. Salvo Cocina, head of Sicily's Civil Protection Department, said dozens of hikers ignored warnings issued early Monday morning, after initial signs of increased activity were detected on Europe's largest active volcano. Footage showed those who had ventured on to Etna, hurrying down the volcano's slopes as a large plume of ash rose behind them from the volcano on the eastern side of the island of Sicily. "There was a big explosion and a crater collapsed but luckily it fell into a deserted area," he said on Tuesday. "It's very hard to block access, you can't fence it off.' Cocina said those on the mountain on Monday, who had climbed to a height of some 2,700 metres, appeared to be properly equipped and he acknowledged the need to balance safety concerns with the desire of tourists to enjoy the views. Nobody was injured in Monday's eruption and the alert for volcanic activity had been downgraded to the more standard "yellow" level on Tuesday. Authorities said the pyroclastic flow — a fast-moving mixture of rock fragments, gas and ash — was limited to about two kilometers (more than a mile) and didn't go beyond the Valle del Leone, or Lion Valley, which forms a natural containment area. Etna towers around 3,350 meters (around 11,050 feet) above sea level and is 35 kilometers (22 miles) in diameter, although the volcanic activity has changed the mountain's height over time. Occasionally, the airport at Catania, eastern Sicily's largest city, has to close down for hours or days, when ash in the air makes flying in the area dangerous. An aviation warning was put in place during the latest event, but the airport wasn't closed.
