After Mount Etna erupted on February 8, some of the tourists could be seen cooking sausages on the searing lava rocks and brewing coffee. The sausage stunt highlights a troubling trend of disrespect and danger at the UNESCO World Heritage site. Currently, restrictions require people to stay at least 500 meters away from the lava flow. However, images and videos going viral on social media show people routinely flouting the rules.Apart from being the most active stratovolcano in the world, Mt Etna is also Europe’s highest volcano, at about 3,350 meters (almost 11,000 feet) tall. In 2023, a cloud of volcanic ash spewing from the volcano prompted the closure of one of Sicily’s largest airports, leading to flights being delayed, canceled, and diverted. For confidential support on suicide matters call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details. In the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Line on 1-800-273-8255.
