Residents of Naples experienced a jolt early Thursday morning when a 4.4 magnitude earthquake struck the city, marking the strongest quake in the area in 40 years. The tremor hit at approximately 1:25 AM local time, waking many from their sleep and causing some to flee their homes for safety.
In the aftermath, reports indicated that 11 people were taken to the hospital, primarily for minor injuries. The earthquake caused minor damage across the city, including to a church and a seven-floor residential building, which were both declared unsafe. As a precaution, several schools were closed, according to Naples Mayor Gaetano Manfredi.
The epicenter of the quake was located near Pozzuoli, a coastal town west of Naples. Following the initial shock, residents felt several minor aftershocks, heightening fears of further tremors. Videos shared on social media showed debris scattered across the streets, damaged cars, and cracks appearing in buildings.
One woman was rescued from the rubble of a partially collapsed house, while others sustained cuts from broken glass. Power outages were also reported in various parts of the city, leading many families to choose to sleep outside or in their cars overnight for safety.
Mayor Manfredi reassured the public that inspections were underway to assess the damage. He stated that officials were closely monitoring the situation and checking all structures in the area. One resident, Raffaele Cipollano, described the moment the quake struck, saying he heard a loud bang and found his home filled with cracks when he turned on the lights.
This earthquake equaled the magnitude of a similar quake that occurred in the same region last May and is the strongest recorded in Naples since the early 1980s. The area is known for its seismic and volcanic activity, sitting atop the Phlegraean Fields, a region filled with ancient volcanoes.
In recent weeks, seismologists had noted an uptick in activity around the Phlegraean Fields, prompting emergency drills last summer in preparation for potential disasters. The most severe earthquake in the region’s recent history occurred in November 1980, when a magnitude of 6.9 resulted in over 2,700 fatalities and significant destruction.
As the city begins to recover from this unsettling event, officials and residents alike are on high alert, hoping for stability in the days to come.