Volcano eruptions on Stromboli: Residents of southern Italian island urge tourists to heed caution

By Baris Seckin

ROME/STROMBOLI (AA) - As spectacular volcanic eruptions continue to rock Stromboli island in southern Italy, residents are urging tourists to understand and prepare for the inherent risks of visiting a place with an active volcano.

Following successive explosions at the volcano on Stromboli, one of Sicily's volcanic islands, in early July and a sudden powerful eruption on July 11, Italian Civil Protection raised the island's risk level to "red".

This situation has led to numerous cancellations of reservations during the peak tourism season, affecting the island's significant income source.

Particularly concerning are the worries of some visitors who come specifically to see the volcano.

Speaking to AA, fisherman Antonio Ciconte said his entire family, including his grandparents, are locals and accustomed to living with the volcano on the island.

Ciconte emphasized if one chooses to visit a place with an active volcano, they must be prepared to accept certain risks.

"When you go to an island, you come here to see its nature. You are witnessing a live eruption, which is part of the island's nature."

"If you are afraid of these eruptions, you should not come to a volcanic island and should stay at home."

Stating the volcanic risk on the island, Ciconte said: "Unfortunately, it is what it is, there's nothing we can do about it."

Social media influencer Sebastiano Cannavo shares aspects of the island on his Instagram account "Stromboli's Moods."

"I have been living here for 39 years; I've learned about the volcano. Perhaps because I love the volcano and its risks, I have become more knowledgeable about it," he told Anadolu.

"I am used to these kinds of events here; after all, I've seen them many times. But recently, the volcano has actually changed a bit, its activity has changed, and I'm aware of that."

On the risks of living with a volcano, Cannavo stated if locals are well-prepared for these sudden eruptions, they shouldn't be afraid.

"With a good plan to mitigate risks and negatives, you can overcome everything and live very well on this beautiful island."

"I recommend it to anyone who isn't afraid of volcanoes," he added.

Eugenio Privitera, Coordinator of the Volcanic Hazard Center from the Italy National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), said they observed renewed explosive activity at Stromboli on July 3.

"A crack opened at the base of the northeast cone, leading to a lava flow and subsequently another lava flow."

"Lava emerged from two openings at heights of 510 meters and 485 meters, respectively. These flows reached the sea, forming a lava delta," he added.