The low-altitude eruption that began on the night of January 1, 2026, from a fissure that opened around 2,000 meters in Valle del Bove, continues. The fissure occurred at the foot of Mt Simone, an ancient, extinct crater, and unleashed several rivers of lava, some of which descended steeply eastward. In the coming hours, you will see numerous photos, videos, and newspaper headlines that will fuel outcry and fear… but avoid falling into the traps of fake news and misused Artificial Intelligence.
Advice from Volcanologists
Volcanologist Dr. Boris Behncke writes on his social media: this fissure is fueling a spectacular lava flow, which, seen from the lower eastern slope of Etna, appears incredibly low and close to the closest villages (that is Milo and Fornazzo). Fortunately, this isn’t the case for now. The most advanced front is about 5 km from Fornazzo and 5.5 km from Milo, distances that aren’t easily overcome once a lava flow has already made its way upstream.
In fact, the eastern flank of Etna is dotted with gullies and hills, ancient craters, and ravines. The lava advances slowly, rolling rock after rock, and it’s difficult for it to overcome such high and impervious natural obstacles. The eruption would have to continue for months for this to happen, and that’s not guaranteed.
Volcanologists also recommend relying on expert guides to approach the lava front. This is due to the rugged terrain—as mentioned—and to the winter conditions (snow, cold winds, ice) that can cause dozens of dangerous accidents. Last but not least, contact between lava and ice can generate explosions, sending debris flying even tens of meters away. DON’T BE A HERO.
Beware of the “fake” frenzy of social media
In an era where artificial intelligence can create believable videos with just a few clicks, countless social media posts will tend to mislead tourists. For a few thousand more followers, who bring with them advertising and money, unscrupulous and stupid people will compete to create alarmist news. Don’t trust the media too much, either, as they aim to exaggerate news headlines to gain an audience.
If you’re worried about this lateral eruption, there are only three surefire ways to stay informed and avoid panic: talk to people who live at the foot of the volcano and see the situation firsthand—so if you have friends or family in the area, ask them to verify the news; follow the official websites and social media of the INGV, the Italian National Institute of Volcanology, which has a highly efficient and constantly updated office in Catania—if the INGV doesn’t confirm it, then the news isn’t true; contact authorized Etna guides – they are professionals who know the area and can take authentic photos and videos, actually going to the eruption front.
The people of Etna are crazy
On social media and on TV, you will increasingly meet statements like these, especially if the eruption threatens roads and homes. Respond to these expressions of ignorance. Namely:
- For centuries, humans have lived at the foot of volcanoes, exploiting their enormous advantages while tolerating their disadvantages.
- Three-quarters of Etna is occupied by the Regional Park (where construction is prohibited) and a huge desert valley (where no one lives). Therefore, towns are deliberately and sensibly built far from sources of danger.
- Flank eruptions are unpredictable events that can lead to dangerous conditions; but they are also rare events that do not affect the normal lives of residents. Simply put, it’s “crazier” to live on the banks of a river (which floods every year) or at the foot of an Alpine wall (where avalanches occur every year) than at the foot of a volcano that, if it goes badly, threatens your home once every 30 years! (PHOTOS G. MUSUMECI)