Residents of the Italian island of Stromboli were warned to move to high ground in late February as the volcano of the same name began to erupt. Two large lava flows burst from the volcano’s side, triggering fears that a tsunami could be imminent. In December 2002, a similar increase in activity caused a massive landslide that created a ten-metre wave that crashed into coastal villages.

The eruption took place just days after scientists from the National Geophysical and Vulcanology Institute in Pisa unveiled the first four-dimensional simulation of the effects of
an eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The model suggests that as many as 300,000 people living near the volcano could perish. 

Meanwhile, scientists in Ecuador have warned that Tungurahua volcano, located 160 kilometres south of Quito, is becoming increasingly active. The volcano’s most recent eruption, in August last year, killed four people.

May 2007