Italy’s strongest earthquake in 40 years strikes naples, aftershocks keep residents on edge

A powerful 4.4-magnitude earthquake struck Naples and surrounding areas early Thursday, marking the strongest tremor to hit the region in 40 years. The quake occurred at 1:25 a.m. local time near the town of Pozzuoli in the Campi Flegrei volcanic region, sending thousands of terrified residents into the streets. Many people, fearing aftershocks, chose to spend the night in their cars instead of returning home.

According to the Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), the earthquake originated at a shallow depth of three kilometers. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded a slightly lower magnitude of 4.2 at a depth of ten kilometers. The tremor was accompanied by a loud roar, which heightened panic among locals. Several areas experienced temporary power outages, and images from the scene showed damaged buildings, fallen debris, and vehicles with shattered windshields.

In Pozzuoli, emergency responders rescued a woman after a portion of her house collapsed. The Bagnoli district saw multiple rescue operations, with residents reportedly climbing out of windows to escape. Local authorities have established an emergency coordination center to assess structural damage and provide assistance to those affected.

At least two smaller aftershocks followed the initial quake, raising fears of further seismic activity. As a precaution, schools in Pozzuoli, Bagnoli, and Bacoli have been temporarily closed for structural safety inspections. Bacoli Mayor Josi Gerardo Della Ragione urged residents to remain calm and follow official channels for updates.

Naples sits within the Campi Flegrei, one of the most seismically active volcanic calderas in the world. The area, home to over half a million residents, has seen a steady increase in ground movement due to bradyseism—a phenomenon caused by the rise and fall of underground magma. While the Campi Flegrei volcano last erupted in 1538, geologists have warned that increasing seismic activity could indicate long-term volcanic unrest.

With emergency teams working around the clock to assess damage and provide relief, residents remain on high alert for possible aftershocks. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging preparedness in case of further seismic disturbances.