**Eruption of Mount Etna Forces Evacuation of Tourists Amid Flight Delays**

Tourists in Sicily respond to sudden volcanic activity at Mount Etna, navigating the dangers while the local population remains unharmed.

Tourists on the island of Sicily were forced to evacuate the slopes of Mount Etna, one of Europe’s most active volcanoes, due to an eruption that sent gas, ash, and rock spewing into the air on Monday. While there were no reports of casualties, social media footage revealed hikers hastily retreating down the mountain as thick plumes descended from the summit.

FlightAware reported that over 20 percent of flights to the nearby Catania Airport had been delayed following the incident, as ash clouds interfered with air traffic. Local authorities, however, reassured that there was no immediate threat to residents in the surrounding areas.

The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology confirmed that the explosive activity was restricted to the summit zone, which had already been closed to visitors due to safety precautions. They subsequently announced via social media that the volcanic activity had ceased for the day.

Sicily, known for hosting millions of tourists annually, attracts over a million visitors to Mount Etna alone. Nonetheless, officials have increasingly grappled with tourists disregarding safety warnings while venturing close to the volcano, which is characterized by its regular activity and flow of lava.

Vacationers Hannah and Charlie Camper from England, who were staying about 10 miles from the volcano's crater, reported witnessing the eruption unfold firsthand. Familiar with the volcano’s history of eruptions, they felt initially safe but grew alarmed as volcanic gases reportedly enveloped their surroundings.

Ms. Camper noted they received no safety alerts on their phones despite the escalating situation: “We were waiting to hear something, but nothing came through even though the smoke was getting bigger and coming toward us. At one point we could see the lava coming down the volcano.”

The island, famous for its beautiful landscape and as the backdrop for the recent series "The White Lotus," continues to attract visitors despite the challenges posed by extreme weather conditions, including heat and wildfires.

As the tourism season progresses, authorities will need to enhance communication and emergency protocols to ensure visitors can enjoy Mount Etna while remaining informed of its inherent risks.