Earthquake Strikes Campi Flegrei: Strong Tremors Rattle Naples Region
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A 4.4-magnitude earthquake struck the Campi Flegrei area at 12:07 p.m. today, according to Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV). The epicenter was located offshore, just west of the Rione Terra district near Pozzuoli, at a depth of approximately 2.7 kilometers.
The tremor was felt clearly across Naples, even at ground level, sparking panic and sending residents of Pozzuoli and surrounding towns into the streets. No damage or injuries have been reported so far.
The 4.4 quake was part of a seismic swarm. It followed a weaker 2.1-magnitude tremor just seconds earlier. Another significant quake, measuring 3.5, was recorded at 12:22 p.m. in the same area.
Francesca Bianco, head of INGV’s volcano department, noted that recent seismic activity in the region is concentrated at shallow depths, which increases the perception of the quakes. She also stated that ground uplift in the area has reached 1.5 centimeters in recent weeks, but no acceleration has been detected.
As a precaution, rail service in the Naples hub was halted at 12:10 p.m. to allow for safety inspections of the lines, according to national rail operator FS. RFI technicians are currently on site conducting checks.
In response to the event, Naples prefect Michele di Bari convened an emergency coordination meeting at the Government Palace. Authorities continue to monitor the situation in and around the quake’s epicenter.
