A lot of people are trying to get closer to admire this natural phenomenon,” a local mayor warned his community. “But it is extremely dangerous!”

Thousands of tourists have travelled to Mount Etna to see the Sicilian volcano erupt, with local authorities warning that “careless behaviour” is blocking rescue routes. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The latest eruption of Mount Etna in Sicily has drawn crowds of photographers, hikers and nature aficionados, which have congested streets and clogged paths for rescue crews.