Naples Shaken: Residents Take to Streets After Earthquake

Following an overnight earthquake of 4.4 magnitude, many residents in Naples have been forced to camp outside as aftershocks rattle the area. Local infrastructure was impacted, and damage assessments are underway.

In the early hours of Thursday morning, a 4.4 magnitude earthquake struck Naples, Italy, prompting many residents to sleep outdoors and in their vehicles. The tremor, occurring at 01:25 local time (00:25 GMT) at a shallow depth of just three kilometers (two miles), caused significant alarm across the city and surrounding areas. While Italian seismologists recorded the quake at 4.4, the US Geological Survey measured it at a 4.2 magnitude at a depth of 10 km.

The impact of the quake resulted in power outages in parts of Naples, and its nearby areas, particularly in Pozzuoli, felt the tremors more acutely. One individual was reported injured after being rescued from the ruins of a partially collapsed building. Images surfaced showing debris-strewn streets, with a damaged house and a car that suffered a shattered windshield.

As fear continued to spread among the populace, many evacuated their homes, taking refuge on the streets, driven by concerns of further aftershocks. Ongoing reports mentioned at least two weaker aftershocks that followed the initial quake. A rescue coordination center has been established to assess the structural damage throughout the affected communities.

In response to the seismic event, schools in Pozzuoli and its adjacent neighborhoods have been closed for the day to allow for thorough assessments and checks on building safety. This latest earthquake serves as a reminder of Naples' precarious position on the Phlegraean Fields, a volcanic area known for its geological activity.