4.4 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Naples, Italy, Prompting Evacuations and Rescues

A 4.4-magnitude earthquake struck Naples at 1:25 AM, prompting widespread evacuations and rescue efforts, especially in the Pozzuoli district. The event caused homes to collapse and resulted in power disruptions across the city. It is the strongest quake in Naples in 40 years, with several aftershocks reported.

A 4.4-magnitude earthquake occurred in Naples, Italy, at 1:25 AM local time on March 13, causing significant alarm among both locals and tourists alike, who fled into the streets. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a ‘huge roar’ prior to the quake, which resulted in some homes collapsing swiftly. This earthquake marks the most potent quake to impact the city in four decades, as noted by various reports.

The epicenter of the earthquake is believed to be located in Pozzuoli, a coastal district of Naples. Following the tremors, at least two weaker aftershocks were recorded, exacerbating the situation. Many people were compelled to remain outdoors overnight, while some residents remained trapped beneath debris, prompting immediate rescue efforts.

The tremors lasted around 20 seconds and led to a disruption of electrical power across Naples. Firefighters successfully rescued a woman who was trapped under a collapsed ceiling in Pozzuoli, while teams in Bagnoli worked diligently to assist other individuals trapped inside their homes. Recent photographs illustrate the chaos, with local residents escaping through windows and showcasing damaged structures and vehicles.

The tremors were also felt in parts of Campania, the region adjoining Naples. In response to the disaster, a rescue coordination center has been established to assess damages thoroughly. As a precaution, schools in Pozzuoli and adjacent neighborhoods were closed to evaluate building stability. This earthquake follows a recent event in Delhi, India, where a 4.0-magnitude earthquake was experienced just weeks prior, raising awareness of seismic activity in various parts of the world.

The 4.4-magnitude earthquake in Naples underscores the vulnerability of urban areas to seismic activities, prompting significant evacuations and rescue operations. With the epicenter located near Pozzuoli, this event marks the most considerable seismic event in Naples in forty years and has led to extensive damage and disruption. Emergency measures are in place to ensure community safety as the aftermath continues to be addressed.

Original Source: www.livemint.com