Naples Endures One of the Worst Earthquakes in 40 Years
Naples experienced a severe 4.4 magnitude earthquake, causing residents to flee to streets for safety. The quake, followed by two hours of tremors, originated from Pozzuoli and prompted emergency responses, including resident rescues. Authorities are monitoring the situation, and past seismic history suggests that a significant eruption in the Phlegraean Fields is unlikely in the near term.
Naples has recently endured one of the most severe earthquakes in forty years, which forced residents to seek refuge on the streets. Occurring around 1:25 AM, a loud roar preceded the 4.4 magnitude tremor, prompting widespread panic as people fled from their homes. The earthquake, lasting approximately twenty seconds, was followed by a seismic swarm that tremored the city for an extensive two hours.
The quake’s epicenter was situated about 2.5 kilometers beneath Pozzuoli, located on the western coast of Naples, according to the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV). Efforts by firefighters to aid distressed residents were evident, including the rescue of an injured woman from a collapsed ceiling in Pozzuoli. In the neighboring Bagnoli district, rescuers assisted trapped individuals as others escaped through windows, as reported by news agency ANSA.
This incident follows a similar 4.4 magnitude quake recorded in May, positioning this event as one of the strongest in recent decades. Both earthquakes originated from the Phlegraean Fields in Pozzuoli, an area situated above Europe’s largest active volcanic caldera, which houses around 500,000 residents in the Mount Vesuvius danger zone. Visual evidence from that night circulated on social media, depicting debris-covered vehicles, cracked homes, and anxious residents evacuating.
In response, city authorities suspended classes in Bagnoli and established waiting areas for those displaced. Firefighters continued their inspections in Bacoli, Bagnoli, and Pozzuoli. Furthermore, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni indicated that she is closely monitoring the situation and remains in communication with local authorities. Notably, the Phlegraean Fields’ eruption 40,000 years ago was among the Mediterranean’s most powerful, though experts posit that a significant eruption is not imminent.
Despite prior seismic activities in the 1980s leading to mass evacuations, experts currently suggest the likelihood of a major eruption in the near future is minimal.
In summary, Naples has suffered a significant earthquake, resulting in widespread panic and displacement of residents. Emergency responders are actively working to assist those affected, while authorities are monitoring the situation closely. Historical context suggests that although the area is volcanically active, the risk of an impending major eruption appears to be low. Continuous efforts by local agencies aim to ensure public safety during this challenging time.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
