Tourists in the Italy have been ignoring vital instructions from the local authorities following a major volcanic eurption that happened earlier this month.
Mount Etna is an active stratovolcano on the east coast of Italy’s stunning island, Sicily which first eurpted on February 8.
Lava emerged from the volcano and descended along the southwest flank of the volcano reaching an altitude of around 1,950 metres above sea level and rather than staying away tourists are had reportedly been climbing the mountain to witness the sight up close.
Restrictions have been put in place where tourists are required to stay at a minimum distance of 500 metres away from the lava flow and must be accompained by guides.
However, those rules are not being followed and according to mountain police, known as Soccorso Alpino, people are climbing up too close to see the eurption that has been taken place for days.
Not only that, but people have continued to ski on the mountains slopes.
With the number of people at the mountian it has become difficult for authorities to monitor the situation and therefore guards are calling for the public to take responsibility.
As well as the hot molten lava being extremely dangerous, the winter conditions on the mountain are also an issue. Appropriate clothing is necessary to stay safe at Mount Etna, however that is another big people have not been considering.
“We have already made some rescues, mainly because people don’t have the proper clothing”, shared marshal Paolo Bernardini of the Nicolosi mountain rescue team.
“We find tourists with hypothermia”, he continued. Despite the bans issused by the mayors of the Catania area, pictures show crowds of people gathered to witness what had been taken place.
You can also see the ash, flaming rocks and lava in the photographs.
The flow emerged from a fissure on the southern rim of the the Bocca Nuova crater, fortunately the lava flow did not pose an immediate threat to inhabited areas.
However, those who are in the area and plan to view the lava flow should adhere to the rules of the local authorities that have been put in place the safety of those around.