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A 4.4-magnitude earthquake hit the volcanic Campi Flegrei region near Naples in southern Italy, early Thursday morning, triggering panic among residents and causing minor injuries. The earthquake, which occurred around 1:25 am, was the strongest to hit the area in 10 months. It was followed by several smaller tremors, further alarming the local population.
The quake struck at a depth of 2.5 kilometers, raising people from their beds and sending them into the streets in fear. According to the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), the epicenter was near the seaside district of Bagnoli, in the western part of Naples.
Damage and Injuries in Naples
Local officials reported that the quake caused damage to buildings, including smashed car windows and a collapsed ceiling in a home, which injured one woman. Several others sustained minor cuts from broken glass and were taken to local hospitals. Mayor Gaetano Manfredi of Naples confirmed that 11 people were treated at local emergency rooms, though many cases were attributed to panic rather than serious injuries.
“People are scared,” one resident told local news service, describing how the tremor left many unable to sleep through the night. “We can’t go on like this.”
Schools in Bagnoli were closed on Thursday due to the damage, and the local community was left shaken by the event. The tremor also led some residents to attempt to enter the former NATO base in Bagnoli, likely seeking shelter. Although there was a brief moment of panic, the mayor reassured the public, stating that the situation was “under control.”
Historical Context of Seismic Activity in Campi Flegrei
Seismic activity is common in the Campi Flegrei area, an active caldera stretching from the outskirts of Naples into the sea. This caldera is the largest in Europe and poses a significant risk due to its volcanic activity. Over 500,000 people live in the region, making it one of the most densely populated areas affected by seismic threats.
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The most powerful eruption in the Mediterranean occurred in Campi Flegrei 40,000 years ago. However, experts believe that a catastrophic eruption in the near future is unlikely, despite a resurgence of seismic activity in the 1980s, which led to mass evacuations and the abandonment of the nearby city of Pozzuoli.
Resurgence of Seismic Activity and Public Fear
The 4.4-magnitude quake on Thursday follows a similar event in May 2024, which was the largest earthquake in the region in 40 years. At the time, no major damage or injuries were reported. However, the recurrence of seismic activity in such a densely populated area has reignited public fear.
Naples Mayor Gaetano Manfredi commented that Thursday’s quake was particularly intense, with its epicenter closer to the city of Naples compared to previous quakes. This made the tremor more noticeable in the urban areas, intensifying the sense of alarm. The mayor emphasized that although moments of panic occurred, the situation had stabilized, and there was no major threat at present.
Authorities Continue to Monitor the Situation
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has been in constant contact with local authorities to monitor the situation, while specialists continue to study the ongoing seismic activity in Campi Flegrei. While the area remains a potential risk due to its volcanic history, experts suggest that a large-scale eruption in the near future is not likely.
In the wake of the earthquake, authorities are continuing to assess the damage and provide support to affected residents. While the tremor has caused alarm, the situation appears to be under control for now, and officials are taking steps to ensure the safety of those living in the vulnerable zone.
