{
  "id": 691709,
  "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-691709",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-12T19:20:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Phys.org",
    "slug": "phys-org",
    "url": "https://phys.org/news/2026-08-tourists-mount-etna-italian-volcano.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Mount Etna, Europe's tallest active volcano, has erupted, leading to a surge in tourist visits despite concerns from local guides. Lavish images of lava flowing down the mountain's slopes have drawn large crowds, causing the closure of nearby Catania airport, a major gateway for tourists to Sicily. Local guides are overwhelmed with requests, with some receiving three times the usual number of calls. Daniele Perricelli, a local guide, expressed worry about the disorderly crowds and the potential risks for those venturing alone. The ongoing activity has increased safety concerns, with some visitors criticized for approaching too close to the lava. Italy's civil protection agency has issued a yellow alert, indicating frequent eruptions and possible explosions. Ash emissions have disrupted flights at Catania airport, with hundreds of cancellations reported. Despite the risks, many tourists are still flocking to witness the eruption, while authorities urge caution and adherence to safety guidelines.",
  "summary": "Spectacular images of lava flowing down the slopes of erupting Mount Etna have drawn flocks of tourists to the Italian volcano—to the concern of local guides.",
  "key_points": [
    "Mount Etna erupted, attracting tourists despite local guide concerns.",
    "Lavish lava images drew large crowds, closing Catania airport.",
    "Civil protection agency issued yellow alert for frequent eruptions."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Tourists rush to Mount Etna as Italian volcano erupts",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/13/tourists-rush-to-mount-etna-as-italian-volcano-erupts",
        "published": "2026-08-13T08:32:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}