Stromboli, one of Europe's most active volcanoes, recently began erupting, sending steam billowing and prompting experts to place the area under heightened surveillance.

Officials say that residents of the island are safe for now. But they have urged locals to move to higher ground, fearing a repeat of events in 2002, when a similar eruption sent a massive chunk of rock crashing into the sea, generating 33-foot (10-meter) waves that ruined beachfront property.

• More Photos in the News
• Today's 15 Most Read Stories
• Free Email Newsletter: Focus on Photography