A powerful 4.4-magnitude earthquake has struck Naples, Italy, forcing residents to sleep on the streets as a result of its intense tremors. The quake’s epicentre was located in Pozzuoli city, about 2.5 kilometres west of Naples.
At around 1.25am on Thursday, a “huge roar” was heard before the earthquake hit, prompting widespread panic among residents. The quake lasted for approximately 20 seconds but triggered a seismic swarm that continued for two hours.
Firefighters worked tirelessly to rescue trapped residents, including an injured woman who was pulled from her collapsed home in Pozzuoli. Others managed to climb out of their windows or were freed by rescuers.
The epicentre is located near the Phlegraean Fields, which sits atop Europe’s largest active volcanic caldera and poses a risk to nearby residents due to Mount Vesuvius’ nearby danger zone. The region has experienced seismic activity in the past, but experts believe a major eruption is unlikely in the near future.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has been monitoring the situation and is in contact with authorities. City officials have set up waiting areas for residents and closed schools in affected areas as a precautionary measure.
This earthquake marks one of the worst to hit Naples in 40 years, underscoring the region’s seismic vulnerability.
Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/naples-earthquake-homeless-residents-italy-b2714356.html