…mount Etna, the highest and most active volcano in Europe, on 2 June 2025. It blasted enormous plumes of ash and lava into the atmosphere. Sitting on the eastern coast of Sicily, this most recent eruption is the fourth since November 2022. Officials have instructed residents to avoid the new crater. Gladly, they have confirmed no casualties or destruction from the recent eruption.
The stratovolcano’s eruption sent visitors and residents fleeing but fascinated photographers and filmmakers. Local helicopter tour pilot Marcello Moro captured the rare event from the sky. At one point he said the eruption got “really pretty gnarly,” and he had to alter his flight path and land somewhere safe.
Nicholas DiLeonardi and Michelle Nigro-DiLeonardi, New Yorkers who recently eloped to Italy for their honeymoon. While standing on Mount Etna, suddenly, a volcanic eruption started. What used to be light red smoke in the vicinity quickly turned into dark red smoke indicating the volcano was getting worse.
“People were continuing to hike and go further up,” – Michelle Nigro-DiLeonardi
The couple’s experience as victim and perpetrator took a dramatic turn. To illustrate this point, FCM’s Nicholas DiLeonardi referred to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. He reflected, “When we were up there, I was like, ‘OK, if this is another Pompeii, at least we’re together.’” It extends to marine environments too. Their comments reveal the exciting and sometimes treacherous side of nature.
According to the EU’s Copernicus service, local authorities are still monitoring Mount Etna’s seismic activity. They want to make sure that all the resident- and visitor-protecting safety measures are in place. This tourist destination is pretty easy to pick out. We need to be sure to make efforts to avoid future risks associated with volcanic eruptions.
