What's happened
As volcano tourism grows, recent eruptions at Mt. Etna and Guatemala's Volcan de Fuego highlight the dangers involved. Authorities have evacuated residents near Volcan de Fuego due to increased activity, while Mt. Etna's latest eruption prompted warnings for hikers. Experts stress the need for caution amid rising tourist interest in active volcanoes.
What's behind the headline?
Growing Interest in Volcano Tourism
- The allure of witnessing volcanic eruptions has led to a surge in tourism, particularly at sites like Mt. Etna and Kilauea.
- Despite the thrill, the risks are substantial, as evidenced by past tragedies in Indonesia and New Zealand.
Safety Concerns
- Experts warn that increased volcanic activity can be unpredictable, making it difficult to ensure tourist safety.
- Authorities struggle to manage access to active sites, as seen with Mt. Etna, where hikers often ignore warnings.
Future Implications
- As tourism to active volcanoes increases, so does the need for better safety protocols and public awareness.
- The balance between tourism and safety will be crucial in preventing future disasters.
What the papers say
The Independent reported on the evacuation of residents near Guatemala's Volcan de Fuego, highlighting the risks associated with increased volcanic activity. Juan Laureano from the National Disaster Reduction Coordinator noted that at least 594 people were moved to shelters, with classes suspended and roads closed. In contrast, SBS focused on the growing popularity of volcano tourism, citing the recent eruption of Mt. Etna and the dangers posed to hikers who often disregard warnings. Ruchika Talwar emphasized the need for caution, referencing past incidents where tourists faced dire consequences during eruptions. Al Jazeera provided details on the ongoing volcanic activity and its impact on local communities, reinforcing the urgency of the situation. Together, these sources illustrate the complex interplay between tourism and safety in volcanic regions.
How we got here
Recent volcanic activity has raised concerns about safety in regions popular with tourists. Mt. Etna in Italy and Volcan de Fuego in Guatemala have both shown increased activity, prompting evacuations and warnings. Past eruptions have resulted in significant casualties, emphasizing the risks associated with volcano tourism.
Go deeper
- What safety measures are in place for volcano tourists?
- How do authorities manage access to active volcanoes?
- What are the historical impacts of volcanic eruptions on tourism?
More on these topics
-
Guatemala, officially the Republic of Guatemala, is a country in Central America bordered by Mexico to the north and west, Belize and the Caribbean to the northeast, Honduras to the east, El Salvador to the southeast and the Pacific Ocean to the south.
-
Italy, officially the Italian Republic, is a sovereign country consisting of a peninsula delimited by the Alps and surrounded by several islands. Italy is located in south-central Europe, and is considered part of western Europe.
-
Mount Etna, or simply Etna (Italian: Etna [ˈɛtna] or Mongibello [mondʒiˈbɛllo]; Sicilian: Muncibbeḍḍu [mʊntʃɪbˈbɛɖɖʊ], Èttina or 'a Muntagna; Latin: Aetna; Ancient Greek: Αἴτνα or Αἴτνη), is an active stratovolcano on the eas