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.

A massive eruption at Mt. Etna forced tourists to flee the volcano on Monday after a plume of high temperature gases, ash and rock “several kilometers high” billowed into the air above them, Italian authorities said.

Italy's Mount Etna erupted early Monday, causing tourists to flee as it spewed a massive plume of hot volcanic debris into the air. Videos circulating on social media purportedly show people on guided tours running from the eruption.