Naples experienced a 4.4 magnitude earthquake, one of the worst in 40 years, prompting residents to flee to the streets. The tremor lasted 20 seconds, followed by two hours of aftershocks. Emergency services have been active in rescues, while authorities manage relief efforts for those affected.
Naples has recently experienced one of its most severe earthquakes in the past 40 years, triggered by a magnitude 4.4 tremor. Occurring at approximately 1:25 AM, it was preceded by a loud roar, prompting many residents to flee their homes. The earthquake lasted for around 20 seconds, but subsequent aftershocks continued to shake the city for two hours, affecting both Naples and its suburbs.
The quake originated approximately 2.5 kilometers below the surface in Pozzuoli, a coastal town west of Naples, as reported by the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology. Firefighters responded swiftly to reports of injuries, rescuing a woman trapped under debris after her ceiling collapsed. Other emergency services aided residents trapped in various locations, as many individuals climbed out of windows to escape.
This earthquake follows a similar tremor experienced in May, marking it as one of the strongest recorded in recent years. Both earthquakes were centered in the Phlegraean Fields of Pozzuoli, situated above Europe’s largest active volcanic caldera, which is home to around 500,000 people living within the Mount Vesuvius danger zone.
Images and videos circulated on social media depict streets littered with debris, damaged vehicles, and anxious residents taking refuge outdoors. In response, city officials have closed schools in Bagnoli and established temporary shelters for affected residents while firefighters conducted checks throughout Bacoli, Bagnoli, and Pozzuoli.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is closely monitoring the situation, maintaining communication with local authorities. The last known significant eruption in the Phlegraean Fields occurred about 40,000 years ago, noted for being the strongest eruption in the Mediterranean region. While the 1980s seismic activity prompted mass evacuations, experts currently deem a substantial eruption to be unlikely soon.
The recent earthquake in Naples, marked by a magnitude of 4.4, is one of the most severe the region has faced in decades. The event, caused by seismic activity in Pozzuoli, led to significant panic, injuries, and structural damage. Emergency services are actively aiding residents, and officials are monitoring the ongoing situation closely. Despite historical concerns regarding future eruptions, current assessments indicate no immediate threat of a major volcanic eruption in the area.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
