Pozzuoli, Italy. Credit: Pexels, Luca Musella
A 4.4-magnitude earthquake struck Naples in the early hours of Thursday, March 13, forcing many residents to spend the night outdoors or in their cars due to fears of aftershocks.
The quake, recorded at 01:25 local time, had a shallow depth of three kilometres according to Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV).
Earthquake’s epicentre between Naples and Pozzuoli
The earthquake’s epicentre was located between Naples and the town of Pozzuoli, an area sitting on the Phlegraean Fields, a highly active volcanic basin. The tremor caused power outages in some parts of Naples, according to BBC News, with reports of damage emerging from Pozzuoli, where one person was rescued from the rubble of a partially collapsed house.
The earthquake triggered widespread panic, with locals rushing to the streets. A resident told GB News: “I was fast asleep when I heard a huge sound and started running outside, it was terrifying. Thankfully, my house has not been damaged, but the city centre and Pozzuoli suffered the most.” Many people reportedly sought shelter in open spaces, concerned about potential aftershocks.
In response, schools in Pozzuoli and two neighbouring districts have been temporarily closed for structural safety inspections.
Seismic activity in the Phlegraean Fields
Naples and its surrounding areas are prone to seismic activity due to their location within the Phlegraean Fields. This latest earthquake, one of the strongest in four decades, has reignited concerns about the region’s long-term stability.
Officials continue to monitor the situation closely, with experts warning of possible further tremors in the coming days.
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