Catania, February 15 (LaPresse) – The lava flow from Mount Etna, which began on February 8 at an altitude of 3,000 meters from an eruptive fissure at the southern base of the Bocca Nuova crater, is slowly descending with a steady supply of magma and has now reached approximately 1,900 meters. It is expected to soon cross the high-altitude mountain track.
The Sicilian Regional Service of the National Alpine and Speleological Rescue Corps urges the public to "stay at least 200 meters away from the front of the lava flow, as phreatic explosions may occur, projecting incandescent lava blocks and fragments that could hit anyone nearby."
Additionally, the Cnsas warns that "the lava flow is developing at high altitudes, in areas affected by snow and ice, where both day and night, fog, snowfalls, and sudden weather changes can cause loss of orientation."
The Alpine Rescue team strongly recommends "extreme caution and, preferably, being accompanied by alpine or volcanic guides."
Finally, the Sicilian Alpine and Speleological Rescue Corps reminds mountain visitors that "in the event of an accident, illness, or loss of orientation, rescue operations may be significantly delayed, as Sicily lacks an air ambulance service. The absence of helicopters equipped with winches and medical personnel means that any rescue operation will inevitably require long response times via land teams."
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