Naples was struck by a 4.4-magnitude earthquake, causing widespread panic and damage. Residents fled to the streets and extensive rescue operations were launched, particularly in Pozzuoli and Bagnoli. The recent quake is among the strongest in decades, with significant seismic activity occurring in the Phlegraean Fields region.
Naples has recently experienced one of the most severe earthquakes in four decades, forcing numerous residents to seek refuge in the streets. The tremor, which registered at a magnitude of 4.4, struck at approximately 1:25 AM, accompanied by a loud roar that prompted many to flee their homes. The earthquake, lasting around twenty seconds, was felt throughout the city and the surrounding areas.
The earthquake’s epicenter was located approximately 2.5 kilometers beneath Pozzuoli, situated on the coast west of Naples, as reported by the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV). Following the initial quake, residents endured a series of aftershocks that persisted for two hours. Firefighters responded promptly, rescuing individuals trapped under collapsed structures, including an injured woman in Pozzuoli.
Rescue operations continued in the nearby Bagnoli district, where firefighters freed several individuals while others managed to escape through windows. This recent quake is tied for the strongest tremor recorded in the area in decades, with a similar 4.4 magnitude event occurring last May. Both earthquakes were centered in the Phlegraean Fields, a region known for its active volcanic activity and home to approximately 500,000 residents within the Mount Vesuvius danger zone.
Social media was flooded with images and videos of the aftermath, showcasing cars buried in debris and damaged buildings. In response, city authorities have closed local schools and arranged temporary shelters for affected residents. Firefighters are conducting thorough inspections across Bacoli, Bagnoli, and Pozzuoli, ensuring public safety.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is monitoring the evolving situation closely and has been coordinating with local officials. Historically, the Phlegraean Fields experienced a catastrophic eruption around 40,000 years ago, which stands as the strongest eruption in the Mediterranean’s history. Although previous seismic activities in the 1980s led to mass evacuations, experts believe a major eruption in the near future is improbable.
The recent 4.4-magnitude earthquake in Naples represents a significant geological event, marking one of the worst occurrences in the region in forty years. With extensive rescue operations underway and a vigilant response from authorities, Naples strives to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents. The community’s resilience in the face of such disasters is commendable, as they tackle the aftermath while authorities work to stabilize the situation.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
