A 4.4 magnitude earthquake struck Naples, Italy, causing widespread destruction and leaving many residents homeless after a night spent camping outdoors or in their cars. The quake, which occurred at a shallow depth of 3km, was felt across the city and disrupted power supplies.
Italian seismologists said there was no evidence of an imminent eruption at nearby Mount Vesuvius. However, the area’s volcanic nature made it prone to quakes, with Naples sitting on the Campi Flegrei volcanic basin.
The quake’s scale was comparable to one in May 2024, and it marked the largest tremor in the region for 40 years. The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology reported six weaker aftershocks. Local officials are concerned about increased “bradyseism” – a phase of ground movement that can lead to changes in land surface height.
With over 800,000 people living on the volcanic basin, authorities are taking precautions. Schools were closed for building stability checks, and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni closely monitored the situation. Local officials stress the importance of responding quickly to increased bradyseism rates.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgkm8dxky82o