The recent eruption of Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, has plunged residents and tourists on the island of Sicily into a state of chaos and panic. Photographs have captured the dramatic impact of this formidable natural event.

It’s not uncommon for Mount Etna to experience activity, and there are numerous alert systems and protocols in place when it does. On June 2, the heart of Sicily—Mount Etna—experienced a volcanic eruption that startled tourists,

MILAN (AP) — Sicily’s Mount Etna put on a fiery show Monday, sending a cloud of smoke and ash several miles into the air, but officials said the activity posed no danger to the population. The level of alert due to the volcanic activity was raised at the Catania airport, but no immediate interruptions were reported.