Yesterday, July 11, a paroxysmal explosion occurred from the summit craters of Stromboli. The explosion resulted in an eruptive column with an estimated height of 4 to 5 kilometers and the emission of pyroclastic flows that spread over the sea for about one kilometer. Ash generated by the eruptive column was dispersed by high-altitude winds, falling only marginally in the centers of Stromboli and Ginostra. As a precaution, protective masks were provided to the residents. Protective measures were implemented on the island, including activating sirens to warn people and asking tourists and residents to move away from the beaches in case of a potential tsunami caused by the eruption.
The scientific community and operational teams on the island are conducting monitoring and surveillance activities. Frequent drone overflights are being carried out by the Centres of Competence (INGV and Civil Protection Centre of the University of Florence) to monitor ongoing volcanic activity and its effects. The coastline is being patrolled by the Port Captaincy – Coast Guard and Guardia di Finanza, and a team from the Fire Brigade is also operating on the island. The COA – Advanced Operations Center is coordinating activities with the involvement of teams from the Civil Protection Department and the Civil Protection of the Sicilian Region alongside the municipal structure.
Due to the recent increase in volcanic activity at Stromboli, which resulted in the alert level being raised from orange to red on July 4, the Department has called for a meeting of the National Commission for the Forecasting and Prevention of Major Risks – Volcanic Risk Sector today, July 12, to request an opinion on the volcano’s state of activity, possible short- and medium-term developments and the possible variation of the current alert level. The meeting was attended by members of the Major Risks Commission – Volcanic Risk Sector, as well as representatives from various sections of the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, the Civil Protection Centre of the University of Florence, CNR-IREA, CNR-IGAG, the Laboratory of Experimental Geophysics at the University of Florence, the University of Turin, and the University of Pisa. Representatives from the Civil Protection Department of the Sicilian Region were also invited to participate.
Fonte : Protezione Civile
