Etna eruption attracts crowds of tourists in Italy; see PHOTOS

Mount Etna erupted and attracted thousands of tourists and curious AFP Images of lava flowing down the slopes of the erupting Mount Etna are attracting crowds of tourists to the Italian volcano, to the concern of local guides. Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, has been spewing ash and lava for several days, which forced the closure of Catania airport, close to the site and gateway for many tourists to Sicily. ? Follow the g1 international news channel on WhatsApp Companies that organize night tours, in which participants can observe the eruption up close, say they are overwhelmed by demand. "Everyone wants to come and see the lava flow, everyone is attracted by this unique beauty", Daniele Perricelli, 41, a local guide, told AFP this Wednesday (12). Tourists watch the recovery of Mount Etna, in Italy AFP His group, Guide Etna, takes a few dozen visitors to the volcano every night, but currently receives around 300 requests per day, three times more than usual, he explained. READ ALSO The story behind 'Brazilian Switzerland': how the Portuguese and Northeastern people shaped Campos do Jordão Dinner in a pool with a 'mermaid' between tables goes viral and makes jokes in Brazil; discover VIDEO: 'Underwater' bookstore in China attracts tourists and residents to see the bottom of the lake Ernesto Maria Magri, another local guide, states that the interest is also shared by the residents of Sicily themselves, who go up to observe the lava and "sometimes they gather in a disorderly way". Without wanting or being able to hire a guide, many venture to climb on their own, which involves risks, highlighted Perricelli. Group of travelers goes to Mount Etna, in Italy, to watch the lava flows from the volcano AFP "Up to 2,000 people climb every night, the trails are crowded," he said. “Yesterday we saw some people wearing flip-flops,” he exclaimed. Under current rules, visitors can climb on their own to around 2,400 meters in altitude, but they need to be accompanied by a guide to advance beyond that point, according to tour operators. Tourists watch the rebirth of Mount Etna, in Italy AFP The summit is 3,324 meters above sea level. Italy's Civil Protection agency has issued a yellow alert for Etna, the second highest on a four-level scale that indicates frequent eruptions and possible explosions. Ash emissions have forced Catania airport to repeatedly suspend flights in recent days. According to the Italian press, hundreds of flights have been canceled since Saturday. Mount Etna belching smoke AFP Tourists watch the rebuilding of Mount Etna, in Italy AFP Tourists watch the rebuilding of Mount Etna, in Italy AFP Tourists watch the rebuilding of Mount Etna, in Italy AFP