Mount Etna’s southeastern underwater flank has slipped 4 centimeters in just eight days, sparking urgent warnings from scientists that this accelerated submarine collapse could trigger a devastating Mediterranean tsunami, leaving coastal communities on edge as authorities scramble to monitor the unfolding geological threat.

Sicily, Italy — Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, is now raising alarms far beyond the island of Sicily as its southeastern underwater flank has slipped a shocking 4 centimeters in just eight days, sending tremors through the scientific community and coastal communities across the Mediterranean.

Seabed monitoring conducted by the Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) revealed this rapid movement, which experts warn could indicate an accelerated submarine collapse capable of triggering a catastrophic tsunami.

“We are essentially watching a geological clock tick faster than ever before,” said Dr.

Lucia Romano, a leading volcanologist in Catania, explaining that this slip represents a dangerously fast displacement of massive volumes of volcanic rock and sediment into the sea.

The southeastern flank of Mount Etna, extending deep beneath the Mediterranean seabed, has been slowly shifting for decades due to gravitational pull, volcanic pressure, and seismic activity.

However, the past eight days have shown an unprecedented acceleration that exceeds previously recorded rates.

Local fisherman near Riposto reported unusual underwater tremors and strong currents that have disrupted their daily operations, while coastal authorities in Messina and Calabria are closely coordinating with emergency services to monitor potential threats.

“It’s not just an Etna problem — the Mediterranean could be the next domino if this slope fails catastrophically,” said Dr.Romano.

Satellite imagery and submarine sonar scans reveal that the underwater slope is increasingly unstable, with pockets of fractured volcanic material creeping toward the sea.

Scientists are particularly concerned because this submerged flank forms a natural barrier that stabilizes a significant section of the volcano.

Continuous slippage undermines the structural integrity of this barrier, and any sudden collapse could displace enormous amounts of water, producing a tsunami that might affect coastal cities along southern Italy, Sicily, Malta, Tunisia, and even the eastern Mediterranean coastline.

Residents in these regions are being urged to stay vigilant and prepare emergency protocols, though no immediate evacuation orders have yet been issued.

Historical precedent adds to the concern.

Mount Etna’s massive eruptions have repeatedly reshaped its landscape over centuries, and studies suggest that submarine landslides from volcanic flanks have triggered localized tsunamis in the Mediterranean before.

Professor Marco De Santis of the University of Palermo notes, “We may be witnessing the initial phases of a geological event that could escalate in days or weeks — the uncertainty is immense, and time is critical.

” The INGV has deployed additional seismic monitoring buoys and underwater pressure sensors to track the ongoing displacement in real-time.

Scientists are also studying the role of recent minor eruptions, earthquakes, and the shifting tectonic plates beneath Sicily, all of which could amplify the stress on the submarine slope.

“It’s like a slow-motion avalanche underwater, where the first small movements may seem harmless but ultimately set the stage for a colossal event,” explained Dr.Romano.

Local maritime authorities are temporarily restricting shipping lanes near the southeastern Etna coastline to prevent accidents caused by underwater upheavals, while satellite monitoring teams are analyzing thermal anomalies that could indicate volcanic material weakening the slope from below.

Residents and tourists along the Sicilian coast have reported unusual waves, sudden changes in tide levels, and minor tremors, heightening anxiety across the region.

Social media is flooded with images of disturbed waters near the coast, prompting emergency services to issue precautionary advisories, emphasizing awareness of the tsunami risk and the importance of evacuation preparedness.

Scientists caution that while an immediate collapse is not guaranteed, the continued acceleration of the underwater slope must be treated with utmost seriousness.

As Europe’s most iconic volcano continues its underwater shift, the Mediterranean faces a potential disaster scenario that has been theorized for decades but is now showing tangible early signs.

Researchers continue to stress the importance of monitoring, early warning systems, and coordinated emergency response plans across multiple countries to mitigate potential human and economic loss.

This unfolding situation is a stark reminder that even familiar landscapes like Mount Etna carry hidden threats beneath the surface — literally — and that nature’s forces can move with terrifying speed when least expected.

The coming days will be critical for Mount Etna’s southeastern submarine flank as scientists, authorities, and coastal residents alike watch closely, knowing that a mere 4-centimeter slip could herald a far larger catastrophe across the Mediterranean.