Pyroclastic flows: Spectacular video from Stromboli

A major volcanic eruption has occurred on the island of Stromboli, in southern Italy. Video footage shows dangerous streams of ash and lava hurtling into the sea.

Stromboli, in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the north coast of Sicily, has been significantly more active since Sunday afternoon, December 4th.

A lava overflow occurred at the crest of the volcano's uninhabited northwestern flank, the Sciara del Fuoco. The fast-flowing lava pieces, together with the volcanic ash and hot gases, erupted towards the sea as a deadly pyroclastic flow.

In this case, the eruption created a small tsunami wave about a metre and a half high, which sent alarm bells ringing on the island.

According to initial investigations there have been no damage or injuries, with almost 600 people living on the island of Stromboli.

Stromboli is one of the most permanently active volcanoes, where smaller or larger eruptions occur at irregular intervals. The ejected material usually falls back into the crater, with dangerous pyroclastic flows occurring rarely.