4.4 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Campi Flegrei, Prompting Evacuations and Safety Concerns

Naples: A 4.4 magnitude earthquake struck the seismically active Campi Flegrei region near Naples, causing alarm among residents and leading to the suspension of local train services. This incident is the latest in a series of tremors that have plagued the area, prompting evacuations of schools and the local branch of the University of Naples. The quake was also felt in Naples, where precautionary evacuations were carried out.

According to Ansa News Agency, the earthquake triggered a ‘seismic swarm,’ with a series of seven smaller quakes recorded in quick succession. In response, Civil Protection Minister Nello Musumeci convened a meeting with the civil protection department to address the ongoing seismic activity. Local residents, including an elderly couple, Matteo and Rota, who have lived in Campi Flegrei for over 50 years, reported experiencing a loud roar followed by intense shaking, describing the floor as feeling like it was about to explode.

The tremor’s impact extended to nearby towns such as Quarto, where traffic came to a standstill, exacerbating residents’ fears about evacuation routes during emergencies. Many parents rushed to collect their children from schools, highlighting the community’s anxiety over the persistent seismic threat. There have been increasing calls from locals for authorities to implement more robust safety measures to protect them from the frequent quakes.

The Campi Flegrei area, known as the Phlegrean Fields in English, is experiencing bradyseism, or ground uplift, which has contributed to the series of earthquakes over the past year. In light of these challenges, Civil Protection Minister Musumeci has appointed a special commissioner to focus on risk-prevention strategies for the Campi Flegrei region. The minister has also raised concerns about urban development in this volcanic area, which has been permitted over the decades despite the inherent risks.