{
  "id": 687058,
  "title": "Tourists rush to Mount Etna as it erupts, alarming Italian guides",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/tourists-rush-to-mount-etna-as-it-erupts-alarming-italian-guides",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-12T17:20:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "South China Morning Post",
    "slug": "south-china-morning-post",
    "url": "https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3363825/tourists-rush-mount-etna-it-erupts-alarming-italian-guides"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Mount Etna, Europe's tallest active volcano, has erupted, drawing hordes of tourists to the Italian site – a cause for concern among local guides. The volcano has released ash and lava for several days, prompting the closure of Catania airport, a crucial transportation hub for tourists visiting Sicily. Daniele Perricelli, a 41-year-old local guide, reported a surge in demand for nighttime hikes to witness the eruption up close, with his company, Guide Etna, receiving about 300 calls per day, three times its usual summer traffic. Ernesto Maria Magri, another local guide, referred to the eruption as \"touristic\" and noted that many local residents are also ascending to observe the lava, sometimes in a disorderly manner. While those unwilling or unable to secure a guide often climb on their own, Perricelli warned that the volcano's instability makes it crucial to be accompanied by someone who can navigate the terrain. The overcrowded footpaths and even visitors wearing flip-flops were highlighted as potential risks. Despite some climbers facing criticism on social media for venturing too close to the glowing lava, guides explained that it's possible to approach the volcanic flow to a few meters in lower altitude areas where it has cooled. Under current regulations, visitors can hike up to 2,400 meters alone, but must be accompanied by a guide to ascend higher, as the summit stands at 3,324 meters. Italy's civil protection agency issued a yellow alert for Etna, indicating frequent eruptions and possible explosions. Ash emissions have led to repeated flight cancellations at Catania airport, with around 12 million passengers having transited through the facility in 2024, making it one of Italy's most frequented tourist destinations.",
  "summary": "Spectacular images of lava flowing down the slopes of an erupting Mount Etna have drawn flocks of tourists to the Italian volcano – to the worry of local guides. The tallest active volcano in Europe, Etna has been spewing ash and lava for days, forcing the closure of the nearby Catania airport, a key gateway for tourists visiting the island of Sicily. Companies that organise nighttime hikes…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Tourists rush to Mount Etna as Italian volcano erupts",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/tourists-rush-to-mount-etna-as-italian-volcano-erupts",
        "published": "2026-08-12T16:57:17.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}