Earthquake shakes Naples: most muscular tremor in 40 years

On Monday evening, the area around Naples experienced a series of tectonic tremors. According to the Italian Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, the strongest reached a magnitude of 4.4. "Stay calm," city authorities advised concerned residents.

The epicentre was in the volcanic area of the Phlegraean Fields near Pozzuoli, just a few kilometres southwest of downtown Naples. This was the most intense earthquake in this region in the last four decades. There are currently no reports of casualties.

Since last year, panics have erupted in many places due to residents' fears caused by increased seismic activity. Items fell off store shelves, and buildings suffered minor damage. Hundreds of residents left their homes and took to the streets. Fearing to return to their homes, many people decided to spend the night in their cars or camp outdoors.

In cooperation with Civil Protection, local authorities organized temporary accommodations for the Campania region's residents who are afraid to return home.

– We must live in fear all the time – said a resident of Pozzuoli in an interview with Rainews television. – How long will the buildings withstand all these tremors?

The Mayor of Pozzuoli, Gigi Manzoni, appealed to residents to stay calm. He also informed them about forming expert teams to check the technical condition of buildings and the decision to close schools. Mass evacuation plans from these areas are also being developed. "Stay calm," city authorities urged concerned residents.

The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) declared that it would continue to monitor the situation in the Campania region. "It cannot be ruled out that other seismic events of similar energy may occur," experts stated.