The volcano Stromboli on the Sicilian island of the same name erupted on Tuesday, sending a flow of lava into the sea and causing concerns that further big eruptions could cause a small tidal wave. The unusually high level of activity has prompted authorities to warn islanders to stay away from the coast.
The tiny island, situated 60 kilometers (40 miles) north of Sicily, is a popular tourist destination. The Stromboli volcano is constantly active and is known for its frequent minor eruptions. Thousands of volcano-lovers flock each year to catch a glimpse of flowing lava at its summit but bigger eruptions can be dangerous.
With the volcano now erupting more violently than usual, the Italian authorities are concerned that there could be a replay of the 2002 landslide that caused a 10-meter-high tsunami to crash onto the island.
The Civil Protection Department issued a warning on Tuesday, asking people on Stromboli and the neighboring islands of Panarea and Lipari to stay at least 10 meters above sea level.
"There's a general alert," a department spokesman told Reuters. "The emergency services are monitoring the situation, clearing zones at risk. But at the moment we don't foresee an evacuation."
The tidal wave in December 2002 caused the island to be closed to visitors for months and in spring 2003 hardened lava from the volcano rained down on the island's villages, with some chunks of molten rock crashing into houses.
smd/ap/reuters
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