Italy: Living with ‘Mama’ Etna - the most active volcano in the world

What's it like living in the shadow of the most active volcano in the world?

Simon Platts explores volcano tourism and the complicated relationship Sicilians have with Mount Etna, the volcano affectionately known as 'Mama' by locals despite its huge destructive potential

In the grip of mother nature, science and faith intertwine, but volcanologists relentlessly monitor the site for signs of eruptions. So, what measures are in place to protect tourists and locals?

[mygetawayart]

aside from the extreme drama of this video, yes there are a few dangers, as come with any volcano but, as someone who lives around the "Muntagna" (that's how we actually call it), i can confidently say that Etna is one of the safest volcanoes to visit and live under. The vast majority of lava flows end up in the old caldera, called Valle del Bove, which shields us from most eruptions. As they also said in the video, it's one of the most monitored and studied volcanoes in the world and its constant activity makes for less pressure in the magma chamber, which means less disruptive earthquakes, shorter, less expansive effusions and a spectacle out of your window almost any other day.

[aabottom]

My wife & I went to the summit of Etna in July 2019. An incredible experience the sound of explosions & constant rumblings are unbelievable.
We had a fantastic guide put in on your must do list.

[ثايباس]

Never having visited Sicily, I had no idea Etna was so active. Thank you for sharing.

[lavalady]

I went to see this stunning volcano i think it was in 2007 she was erupting off and on. There was a little activity when we ascended. She was magnificent and not only that but the beautiful island of sicily and all the gorgeous towns and the lovely people that reside there. Just an entirely wonderful experience. I hope to one day return to this beautiful and and Its wonderful volcano again ❤️

[bpalmento]

I happened to watch live streaming from Skyline cam when the eruption suddenly blew and lots of people were hurt near the eruptions. A piece of molten rock hit a British news reporter. I never forget that. From the Skyline cam, I knew it was massive and began to see many "buses" going down the mountain. The next day, I read about this event.

[martinleonardosantacruzmol]

Italians: living under the most active volcano

Ecuadorians: Casually living in between 17 volcanoes

[Mr.Atari]

They Say in Greek Mythology, Etna was considered to be a Prison that held one of the most powerful monsters. The father of monsters "Typhon" who was created by Mother Earth "Gaia" to overthrow the King of the Gods "Zeus".
But Zeus was able to defeat Typhon by smashing him with an entire mountain which is Mount Etna.
Every time when Etna starts spitting lava or Showing Smoke, It was Typhon trying to get out of the mountain.

[bosslady]

Kiluea in Hawaii is the "most active volcano in the world" followed by Etna. Prayers for Italy

[ghod]

The fact that I have been there in the year 2018 as a tourist was both very satisfying and depressing

[cristiansavia]

Imagine all of you that I live right here. 😍

[JustForFunMusician]

I'm sicilian and I'm so proud of INGV but the teacher with imaginary friends scares me!

[ignaciocastillo]

Excellent new around the Etna volcano. I live in Valparaiso city port in Chile country. In this moment the north to Chile in the south to Atacama desert -between Loa river to Choapa river- is a red zone from physical geography and the new activities de volcano in the Andes Mountain; for example, the Licancabur volcano, the Ollague volcano, the Llullaillaco volcano and the Socompa volcano in the desert puna to Antofagasta Region.
And then in Mediterranean Region to Chile is very necessary the new station around the volcano activities near Teno lake into the Andes Mountains to Curico province and de Maule lake near the international rute to "Paso Pehuenche", the conection by card and bus to Malargue in Mendoza province and Talca city in Chile. In this moment is frecuenty the volcano activities in the Chile country and the south west to Sudamerica in front the Pacific ocean.

[favierex]

Typhon is in the volcano if you know about Greece that Zeus fought typhon
And prison him in a mountain and mountain became a volcano name etna

[SEBBARU]

I love the Star Trek Red Alert earthquake alarm :)

[nyrilly]

I wonder how thst inn has faired arfter last nights mile high ejection of lava last night .

[photographermugen]

you lose points for dropping the camera

[lankalakshandesilva]

katina, Rember the old xxx story 🙏🏻🇱🇰

[bonsvilbar]

Mt. Etna makes big boom sound then Mt. Vesuvius, Etna is dangerous. Etna rains Gravel.

[cauxzieruffhausen]

Liked for Boris. And because Etna is cool.

[malcolmmacdougall]

i'll be there next week, i'll need warm clothing almost 10 thousand feet