Would you take a child to visit an active volcano? We do, because Mount Etna is one of the safest volcanoes in the world. And also because it is served by competent, experienced guides and tour operators who always know their way around. Recently, the lack of knowledge of the places and the desire to scoop with little effort, has led many – TOO MANY – media to talk about Etna in alarmist and excessive terms. This does not reflect the nature of the volcano and its territory at all.
The appeal of the guides: Etna is safe
The tourist guides of Etna, as well as the tourist reception structures, are the first to be damaged by this way of providing “sensational” information, often based on untrue news. For this reason they have launched an important appeal on all social networks, which we report here:
For a few days there has been a lot of talk about Etna in national and international newspapers and news bulletins. In itself, this would be good news, were it not for the fact that it is being talked about in a negative way, representing our beloved Etna as a great devastating monster that risks exploding at any moment. For those wishing to know more, just search “Etna” on Google and you will immediately notice how all the news about it is of general alarm. We therefore turn to all of you, both for those who experience Etna as a passion, but also for those like us who have transformed this passion into a job, to ask you for a hand on our behalf and on behalf of many other guides concerned about this situation. : if you want, copy and paste the following text on your wall to attach a photo of Etna to try to counter this rampant disinformation as much as possible
THIS IS MOUNT ETNA DURING THE PAST DAYS, EXCEPT FOR A PAROXYSM DURING THE DAY OF MAY 21ST AND ON THE EVENING OF AUGUST 13TH – NORMAL ACTIVITY FOR THIS VOLCANO – SHORT, INTENSE, SPECTACULAR LAVA FOUNTAINS.
SO, ITALIAN MASS MEDIA AND MEDIA OF THE REST OF THE WORLD: STOP SPREADING CATASTROPHIC NEWS ABOUT THIS VOLCANO WHICH KEEPS DELIGHTING OUR GUESTS AND US GUIDES, ON A DAILY BASIS, WITH ITS MAJESTIC BEAUTY.
#etnaissafe
Thanks to those who want to collaborate, let’s try to get this hashtag around as much as possible!
Is Etna really safe?
Is Etna really safe? What makes us say it is? To begin with, Mount Etna is an immense volcano, very high, with eruptive centers very far from urbanized places. An eruption that starts from the summit craters of Etna would take months to reach one of the many small villages on the slopes. On the eastern flank, among other things, the presence of Valle del Bove extinct caldera prevents the lava from overcoming the natural barriers and therefore hitting the inhabited centres.
Etna is a super monitored volcano. Its territory is dotted with sensors that report every movement and variation to the INGV institute. There is almost always enough time to warn of an impending eruption. Our volcano is walked every day by guides born and raised in the area, who know every path and every “trap”. Finally, the Etna mountain rescue is efficient and quick to intervene in case of emergency.
The unexpected can always happen. A lateral eruption can occur, a downstream eruptive fissure can always open. But it happens maybe once every 40 years. And that doesn’t necessarily happen tomorrow. In any case, Etna always leaves time to escape from danger.
How to face a volcano like Etna
Etna is safe and controlled by people who make it even safer. For this reason, the best way to deal with it is to always rely on guides. But even if you go by yourself, always be prepared so as not to take any risks. Safety on a volcano also depends on the wise sense of the tourist.
When you go exploring a volcano, you must ALWAYS let your hotel or B&B know where you are going and what time you plan to return. Always follow the indicated paths and do not venture off the track. Wear suitable clothing (no sandals, shorts … yes to boots and tear-resistant long trousers). Evaluate the route well before advancing, so to avoid ditches, landslides and other anomalies that can make you slip into a volcanic canyon or an underground cave. Be informed well about the best and safest places from which to admire an eruption.
And remember, especially if there is ash emission, to control the winds direction: if the wind blows from north to south, obviously you will NOT go and admire the eruption in the south, i.e. at the point where avalanches of lapilli will fall!
Having taken all the right precautions, enjoy Etna. Its lava, its woods, its panoramic points. Be sure, because ETNA IS A SAFE PLACE. (photos by G Musumeci)