On Thursday, a powerful earthquake struck Naples, Italy, sending residents fleeing their homes and taking refuge in the streets and cars. The 4.4 magnitude tremor hit the area at 01:25 local time (00:25 GMT), causing significant disruption and raising fears of further tremors. Here’s everything you need to know about the earthquake and its impact on Naples and the surrounding region.
The Earthquake: Details and Impact
The earthquake struck at a shallow depth of just 3 kilometers (2 miles) on the coast between Pozzuoli and Bagnoli. Italian seismologists reported that the tremor was felt across Naples and the Campania region. Power outages were widespread, leaving many without electricity for several hours.
According to the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), there was no immediate threat of an eruption from the nearby Mount Vesuvius, which has been a point of concern for many locals. Despite this, the tremor caused substantial damage, with several buildings experiencing structural damage and rubble crashing onto the streets.
Tremors Felt Across the Region
Naples, sitting atop the Campi Flegrei volcanic basin, has always been prone to seismic activity. The tremor on Thursday was as significant as a similar quake in May 2024 and was the strongest to hit the Campi Flegrei region in the past 40 years. This heightened seismic activity has raised concerns among residents and experts alike.
In Bagnoli, near the earthquake’s epicenter, a woman was pulled from the rubble of a partially collapsed building, suffering only light injuries. The tremor was followed by as many as six weaker aftershocks, which only added to the uncertainty and fear in the region.
Residents Flee to Streets Amid Fears of More Tremors
The earthquake prompted widespread panic, with many residents leaving their homes to sleep on the streets or in their cars. The tremors caused significant damage in parts of Naples, including a church bell tower and several vehicles, which had their windscreens smashed.
A resident of Pozzuoli, one of the affected areas, spoke to Italian TV, expressing concerns that the tremors of the past two years might signify a “different phenomenon” than what has been experienced in the past. As the frequency of seismic activity increases, many locals are growing increasingly worried about the stability of the region.
The Concerns Over Bradyseism: Ground Movement Speeds Up
In addition to the earthquake, there is growing concern over the phenomenon of “bradyseism,” which involves the gradual rising or falling of the ground. Local officials have noted that the speed of ground movement has tripled in recent months, increasing from 1cm to 3cm per month.
Francesca Bianco from INGV confirmed these findings, which have led to heightened fears among residents. Bradyseism could signal potential volcanic activity, further intensifying concerns for the more than 800,000 people living in the Campi Flegrei region.
