ROME, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- The volcano that towers over the southern Italian island of Stromboli had a major eruption Monday, according to a government observatory.

The eruption sent waves of rocks and lava down the side of the volcano, spewing ash across the island, but did not cause any reports of injuries or deaths.

It is the first significant eruption of Stromboli in more than a year, since a series of flare-ups in July and August last year left one hiker dead.

The island of Stromboli covers 12.6 square kilometers and is the full-time home to around 500 residents in three small communities, according to government data. In the summer months, the island's population grows due to tourism.

Stromboli, 924 meters above sea level, is one of three active volcanoes in Italy, along with Mount Vesuvius near Naples and Mount Etna on Sicily.

According to the Sicily-based government volcano observatory that monitors Stromboli, the "high intensity" eruption took place Monday morning and was "characterized by a sequence of explosive events and landslides."

The event lasted for four minutes and set off safety warning systems on the island. According to television reports, officials warned there could be further eruptions in the coming days. Enditem

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