Naples Endures Severe Earthquake, Residents Evacuate Amid Destruction

Naples faced a 4.4 magnitude earthquake on Thursday, its worst in 40 years, causing residents to flee into the streets. Emergency services responded swiftly, rescuing trapped people and assessing damage. Authorities suspended classes and set up shelters for displaced residents as local and national leaders monitor the situation.

Naples experienced a significant earthquake, rated at 4.4 magnitude, on Thursday, marking one of its most severe seismic events in 40 years. The tremor, accompanied by a “huge roar,” occurred at approximately 1:25 AM, prompting residents to flee into the streets. The earthquake lasted around 20 seconds, followed by additional tremors for two hours, severely affecting the comfort of the city’s inhabitants.

The quake originated about 2.5 kilometers beneath Pozzuoli, a coastal area near Naples, as reported by the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV). Emergency services were deployed promptly; firefighters rescued an injured woman from a collapsed ceiling in Pozzuoli and assisted others who were trapped in the neighboring Bagnoli district.

This latest quake follows another of similar magnitude recorded last May, both originating in the Phlegraean Fields region, which is situated atop Europe’s largest active volcanic caldera. Approximately 500,000 individuals reside in the danger zone surrounding Mount Vesuvius, raising concerns for their safety amidst geological activity.

Social media is replete with images of the aftermath, including debris-laden streets, damaged buildings, and residents seeking refuge outdoors. In response, local authorities have suspended classes in Bagnoli and have established designated areas for temporary shelter. Firefighters are actively conducting assessments in Bacoli, Bagnoli, and Pozzuoli to ensure public safety.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has stated that she is closely monitoring the situation and is in contact with local authorities regarding the earthquake’s impact and ongoing response efforts. The Phlegraean Fields are historically significant, with an eruption that occurred 40,000 years ago being noted as the most potent in the Mediterranean. While past seismic activity led to mass evacuations, experts currently assert that a significant eruption is not anticipated in the near future.

In summary, Naples has recently experienced one of its most formidable earthquakes in four decades, prompting residents to seek safety in the streets. Emergency services have been actively rescuing individuals affected by the tremor, while authorities temporarily closed schools and established shelter areas. The situation continues to be monitored by government officials, emphasizing both historical significance and community safety amid ongoing geological activity.

Original Source: www.independent.co.uk