Naples experienced a severe 4.4 magnitude earthquake, one of the worst in 40 years, resulting in residents evacuating to streets for safety. The quake, which lasted for approximately 20 seconds, originated 2.5 kilometers beneath Pozzuoli, and was followed by ongoing tremors for two hours. Emergency services are actively rescuing trapped individuals and assessing damage in the affected areas.
Naples has experienced one of its most severe earthquakes in 40 years, with a magnitude of 4.4. The tremors began at approximately 1:25 AM on Thursday, following a loud roar that prompted residents to flee to the streets. The quake lasted for about 20 seconds, followed by consistent tremors for two hours, awakening the city and its surrounding areas.
The epicenter of this seismic event was located around 2.5 kilometers beneath Pozzuoli, a coastal city west of Naples, as reported by the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV). Emergency responders, including firefighters, worked diligently to rescue individuals trapped in their homes, including a woman who sustained injuries when her roof collapsed.
In addition to rescue efforts in Pozzuoli, officials responded to emergencies in the nearby Bagnoli district where residents were stranded. Some individuals managed to escape through their windows. This earthquake follows a similar 4.4-magnitude event recorded last May, marking it as the joint strongest tremor to impact the region in decades.
The Phlegraean Fields area, where both quakes originated, is situated above Europe’s largest active volcanic caldera, housing approximately 500,000 residents within the Mount Vesuvius danger zone. Social media has been flooded with images depicting cars and houses damaged by debris, and residents evacuating the area during the night.
In response to the crisis, city authorities have closed schools in Bagnoli and established safe waiting areas for displaced residents. Ongoing checks by firefighters are taking place across Bacoli, Bagnoli, and Pozzuoli. Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, is actively monitoring the situation and remaining in contact with local authorities. Historically, the Phlegraean Fields eruption occurred 40,000 years ago, recognized as the most powerful in the Mediterranean region.
The recent earthquake in Naples has caused substantial alarm, compelling residents to evacuate and seek safety on the streets. While emergency services work tirelessly to assist affected individuals, concerns remain about potential future seismic events due to the area’s history and geological activity. The response from both local authorities and the national government reflects the seriousness of these developments in a historically active volcanic region.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
