Posted on 12/31/2002 4:57:09 PM PST by John H K
Update: The tsunami phenomenon, which yesterday we defined "small" in order to avoid useless alarms when news were still very confusing and contradictory, has revealed hour after hour all its severity. The greatest damages were recorded in Ginostra, but also in the village of Stromboli many boats were destroyed or taken away by the waves, and many buildings were damaged. At least 3 tourists are reported injured, and other sources talk of 6 injured in total. The tsunami has reached also the other Eolian islands and Milazzo harbour, where 2 tankers suffered difficulties. During the evening, following the invitation of the Civil Defense, tens of inhabitants and tourists voluntarily left the island. Moreover, since this morning NON-RESIDENT PEOPLE ARE NOT ALLOWED TO LAND ON STROMBOLI. For what concerns the dynamics of the phenomenon producing the tsunami, there are no evidences of summit eplosions, but only of the collapse, as we suggested yesterday, of part of the lava field over the steep slope of the Sciara del Fuoco, that may have detached only by gravitational instability. This hypothesis is supported by the observation, yesterday afternoon, of a big scar at about midslope on the Sciara (source: the volcano guides Antonio Famularo and Nino Zerilli) and by the seismic data recorded by INGV - Catania, which show the presence of two non-volcanic seismic events, at 13:15 and 13:22 local time respectively.
Stromboli of course is the famous volcano that pretty much erupts constantly, and every once in a while erupts more strongly. There have been small tsunamis from avalanches there before, and actually poking around the net searching "Stromboli Tsunami" quite a lot of academic papers detailing the threat. Seems like it actually happened.
Quick, find some pants for Pat Boone!!!
The Euroweenies are sure to be upset about this.
No doubt the Japanese are gonna have to pay reparations under WTO agreements.
Italian volcano flexes its muscles
Stromboli is one of the most active volcanoes in Europe
A volcano has erupted off Italy's Sicilian coast injuring at least six people and bringing chaos to the surrounding area.
A burst of gas from the tiny volcanic island which is home to the Stromboli volcano sent a mass of rock into the sea, causing a tidal wave.
I saw the sun obscured by a cloud of lava ashes and a wave which was at least 20 metres high
Eyewitness
Water overturned boats and flooded the village of Ginostra injuring at least six people, one of them seriously.
More eruptions are expected although they are not believed to pose an immediate danger to the island's few hundred inhabitants.
Scared residents were temporarily evacuated by the Italian navy as a precaution.
"I saw the sun obscured by a cloud of lava ashes and a wave which was at least 20 metres high," an eyewitness told the Italian newspaper La Repubblica.
"There were other people on the beach, it was a miracle that the sea did not carry them away."
The eruption could be seen from neighbouring islands.
According to La Repubblica, the tidal wave started by Stromboli reached the northern coast of Sicily.
It displaced two boats being loaded with fuel causing an oil spill into the sea. The spill is said to be under control.
Tourist attraction
Situated on an island of the same name in the Lipari archipelago 60 kilometres (40 miles) north-east of Sicily, the Stromboli volcano is known for its frequent minor eruptions.
The volcano is considered to be one of the most active in Europe. Its flow of lava, which slowly slides down the mountainside into the sea, is a tourist attraction.
Vulcanologists are expected to monitor the Stromboli closely, but some predicted renewed activity a month ago.
Stromboli's activity followed the eruption of Sicily's Mount Etna two weeks ago when at least 15 people were injured and around 1,000 evacuated.
Volcano of Peace©.
No I don't. I don't think so or that would be news.
Isn't a "bolus" a "ball"? So "boli" might mean many balls.
Mattress balls. So there you have it. I guess.
I should have seen it coming, but that line had me howling. Good one.
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