Why are Mount Etna guides protesting new restrictions?

Mount Etna guides are protesting because they believe the new restrictions on viewing lava flows are excessive and undermine their professional role and skills.

What are the new safety rules for Mount Etna lava flows?

New rules limit excursions to dusk, enforce a 200-meter distance from lava flows, and strictly enforce a 10-person group limit.

Is the Mount Etna eruption dangerous to nearby towns?

No, volcanologists state that the current lava flow poses no danger to nearby residential areas as the fronts are cooling and not advancing.

Home / Environment / Etna Guides Strike Over New Lava Flow Restrictions

Etna Guides Strike Over New Lava Flow Restrictions

8 Jan

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Summary

Mount Etna guides are striking due to new, stricter regulations on viewing lava flows.
New rules limit excursions to dusk and require a 200-meter distance from lava.
Guides argue restrictions negate their role and are overly excessive for safety.

Etna Guides Strike Over New Lava Flow Restrictions

Guides leading tourists to witness Mount Etna's dramatic lava flows have begun striking, protesting new safety regulations imposed by Catania authorities following recent eruptions. The restrictions, which limit excursions to dusk and maintain a 200-meter distance from lava, are considered by guides to be excessive and an affront to their professional capabilities. This marks the first strike by guides in decades, disrupting tourism and visitor experiences.

The new rules also enforce a previously existing limit of 10 people per group, with enhanced monitoring. Mount Etna, Europe's most active and largest volcano, draws visitors year-round. The current eruption, concentrated at the north-east crater and ongoing since Christmas Eve, has seen lava fronts reach 1,360 meters above sea level before cooling and ceasing advance, posing no threat to residential areas.