Naples Earthquake: Residents Evacuated as 4.4-Magnitude Tremor Strikes

Naples experienced a 4.4-magnitude earthquake that caused minor injuries and structural damage, prompting evacuations and closures. Mayor Gaetano Manfredi confirmed that structures deemed unsafe are under inspection. Seismological activity has increased in the Phlegrean Fields, necessitating government action to improve preparedness for future quakes.

On Thursday morning, the city of Naples, Italy, experienced a 4.4-magnitude earthquake that resulted in minor damage and sent 11 individuals to the hospital, primarily for contusions caused by a ceiling collapse. This quake is noted as the strongest in recorded history for the Phlegrean Fields, an area characterized by ancient volcanoes within the Naples metropolitan region. Previously, a similar quake in May had raised concerns among residents, prompting cautious responses when the quake occurred early Thursday.

The earthquake’s epicenter was located offshore from Pozzuoli, a coastal suburb of Naples. Mayor Gaetano Manfredi reported that various structures, including a church and a seven-story residential building, have been deemed unsafe, leading to their closure. Several schools also suspended operations as a safety measure. New assessments of building integrity are currently being conducted to ensure public safety.

Eleven people received medical attention, with one woman sustaining injuries from a fallen ceiling, while others suffered lacerations due to shattered glass. In the weeks preceding this quake, seismological activity around the Phlegrean Fields had been noted to increase significantly, prompting local authorities to conduct emergency preparedness drills last summer amid rising tremors.

The Phlegrean Fields region is recognized for its seismic and volcanic volatility, with recent measurements indicating a 1.3-meter (4.3-foot) uplift in the ground since 2006. This elevation trend surpasses levels observed before the last significant volcanic event in 1984. Experts caution that while the area is under close observation, predicting seismic or volcanic events remains impossible.

Approximately 500,000 residents inhabit this at-risk area, prompting Italy’s national institute for geophysics and vulcanology to advocate for a government strategy to enhance the resilience of structures against potential earthquakes of magnitude 5.0 or higher. In 1984, the government evacuated 40,000 residents as part of an emerging emergency response to impending seismic threats which ultimately did not materialize.

The 4.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Naples early Thursday highlights the seismic risks associated with the Phlegrean Fields area. While the quake resulted in minor injuries and structural damage, it also underscores the necessity for rigorous monitoring and preparedness for future seismic activities. Authorities are urged to implement measures for building resilience and public safety in this vulnerable region.

Original Source: www.pennlive.com