A powerful earthquake sent shockwaves through Naples and its surrounding areas early Thursday morning, forcing many residents to spend the night on the streets or in their cars in fear of further tremors.
The 4.4-magnitude earthquake struck at 1:25 a.m. local time (00:25 GMT), with its epicenter located between the coastal towns of Pozzuoli and Bagnoli, according to Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV). The tremor, occurring at a shallow depth of just 3 km (2 miles), was among the strongest in the region in recent decades and was followed by at least six aftershocks.
The seismic event caused power outages in parts of Naples, damaged buildings, and sent rubble crashing down onto streets. In Bagnoli, emergency responders rescued a woman from the wreckage of a partially collapsed house. She sustained minor injuries but was not in critical condition. Meanwhile, the bell tower of a local church suffered damage, and several vehicles had their windscreens shattered.
Residents of Pozzuoli and other areas near the epicenter described their alarm over the intensifying seismic activity. “We are deeply concerned that the tremors we have felt over the past two years indicate something different from previous patterns,” one resident told Italian media.
The Campi Flegrei volcanic crater, a vast underground system of active magma chambers beneath Naples, has long made the region susceptible to earthquakes. Despite concerns, INGV officials stated that there was currently “no evidence” of an imminent eruption. However, scientists have noted a troubling increase in bradyseism—a phenomenon where gradual ground movements alter the elevation of the land. Francesca Bianco from INGV reported that the rate of ground uplift had recently tripled, rising from 1 cm to 3 cm per month.
In response to the quake, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni assured the public that she was closely monitoring the situation and was in constant communication with emergency authorities. Local officials ordered school closures on Thursday to conduct safety inspections on buildings.
Josi Gerardo Della Ragione, the mayor of Bacoli, acknowledged the difficult night but confirmed that his town had not suffered significant damage. Meanwhile, Edoardo Cosenza, Naples’ civil protection councillor, emphasized the importance of taking proactive measures as ground movements continue to accelerate.
The Campi Flegrei volcanic basin, home to more than 800,000 people, remains a focal point for seismologists and authorities. As scientists continue to study the increased seismic activity, local communities brace themselves for what may come next.
