The end of October is always a special moment on Mount Etna. Not only because the autumn season gives its best, with unique colours and scents, but also because it celebrates an important anniversary. That of the “perfect eruption”. This eruption that occurred in October 2002 was among the most powerful ever recorded on the volcano. And it also established a mark line in the studies of scientists. Nothing, after that date, would be the same on Etna.
October 26th at Piano Provenzana
As we have already described in the article specifically dedicated to, on October 26th of 2002, in the middle of the night, lateral vents opened on the body of Mount Etna. The fractures split the ground both on the southern flank, but very high up, and – at a much lower altitude – on the northern slope (Etna Nord) just above the Piano Provenzana plateau. It was a real “buttonhole”, that is, a series of craters lined up like many buttons, which emitted significant lava flows.
In a few hours the fire reached the ski and commercial facilities of Piano Provenzana (as shown by the photos by Dario Lo Scavo who lost his shop on that occasion). Many prefabricated buildings used as shops and information centers were destroyed in less than 24 hours. The lava never really threatened the urban centers below, such as Linguaglossa, but caused significant damage to some hotel facilities located on the tourist route.
The drama seen up close
While local people and tourists watched the “fire show” with contrasting emotions … some with the excitement of surprise, some with the sadness of resignation … the workers at the INGV recorded the data of what would be defined as “the perfect eruption”.
“Perfect” because in a few days it expressed every volcanic phenomenon connected to an eruption: earthquake, lava flow, ash emissions, fractures. It remained in the annals also for the large quantity of material emitted (160 million cubic meters!). It was a perfect eruption also because it caused the “splitting” of the volcanic edifice of Etna. That is, for the first time it was clearly seen how the volcano tended to slide towards the sea with its eastern flank. Many testimonies of this unique event remain, especially the craters that opened above Piano Provenzana.
On the trail of memory
The perfect eruption ended in January 2003. Today, many tour operators and guides lead the most athletic tourists to discover those rivers of lava and that “buttonhole” still clearly visible above the – restored – facilities of Piano Provenzana. Reaching those craters is not an easy path. So it is best to always go with local guides and be sure to have the physical conditions to face this strenuous excursion. Alternatively, you can stay in Piano Provenzana, admiring the “sciare” (cold lavas) of the eruption from below and talking to those, among the merchants of the area, who lived and still remember the event very well.
Go Etna allows you to follow the paths of this eruption both on foot and with off-road vehicles, always in full respect of the surrounding environment. With us leading, you can walk around these craters and also explore the path of the flows. We will also take you to discover lava flow caves and breathtaking views. Treat yourself to this excursion in autumn to also experience a unique emotion of views and colours. (PHOTOS BY G. MUSUMECI)