Naples Earthquake: Early Morning Tremor Injures 11 and Raises Alerts

Naples was hit by a 4.4-magnitude earthquake early Thursday, injuring 11 people and causing minor damage. The quake is the strongest recorded in the Phlegrean Fields area, prompting precautionary building inspections and safety measures. 500,000 residents are at risk due to volcanic activity in the region, highlighting the need for improved structural resilience.

Naples, Italy, experienced a 4.4-magnitude earthquake early Thursday, resulting in minor damages and sending 11 individuals to hospitals due to injuries, mainly contusions from a ceiling collapse. This quake is the strongest recorded in the Phlegrean Fields area, which is characterized by ancient volcanic activity and extensive metropolitan coverage, matching the intensity of a similar tremor from May that heightened local vigilance.

The quake, centered offshore near Pozzuoli—a suburb of Naples—prompted residents to flee to the streets for safety. Damage reports indicated a church and two residential buildings were declared unsafe, leading to precautionary school closures. Mayor Gaetano Manfredi assured that building inspections were underway to assess further structural damage, stating, “We are following with the greatest attention all of our structures, and are monitoring all events in real time.”

The recent seismic activity in the Phlegrean Fields has escalated, with authorities conducting emergency drills last summer in response to the increased frequency of tremors. The area is seismically and volcanically active, having risen 1.3 meters (4.3 feet) since 2006, which raises concerns about potential hazards. Seismologists underline the unpredictability of eruptions or stronger earthquakes despite ongoing activity.

Approximately 500,000 residents live in the high-risk zone should the volcano erupt, prompting Italy’s national institute for geophysics and vulcanology to recommend a governmental action plan to fortify structures against earthquakes of magnitude 5.0 or higher. In 1984, an intense seismic event led to the evacuation of 40,000 residents as a precaution for a predicted eruption that ultimately did not happen.

In summary, the 4.4-magnitude earthquake in Naples prompted immediate safety responses from residents and officials, with 11 individuals hospitalized for injuries. The quake reinforces the ongoing seismic activity in the Phlegrean Fields, an area that has seen heightening geological shifts. As local authorities conduct assessments and emergency preparations, the need for structural resilience against potential volcanic eruptions remains critical for the safety of the densely populated region.

Original Source: www.pennlive.com