Naples experienced a 4.4-magnitude earthquake early Thursday, causing minimal injuries, mainly due to falling debris. This tremor, the strongest in the Phlegrean Fields, has prompted inspections of damaged buildings and heightened concerns about seismic activity in the area. Local authorities emphasize preparedness for potential future events.
Early Thursday, the city of Naples, southern Italy, experienced a 4.4-magnitude earthquake, resulting in minor damages and sending 11 individuals to the hospital. The quake, the strongest recorded in the Phlegrean Fields area, mirrored another tremor that occurred last May, raising local concerns. Residents rushed into the streets seeking safety, recalling similar reactions from previous quakes.
The earthquake, centered near Pozzuoli, caused some stone and cement to detach from facades. Officials, including Mayor Gaetano Manfredi, reported that several structures, including a seven-story residential building, were deemed off-limits due to significant damage, prompting precautionary school closures. Building inspections are ongoing to assess further impacts.
In total, 11 people required medical attention, including a woman injured by falling debris and others who sustained cuts from broken glass. Recent weeks have seen heightened seismic activity in the Phlegrean Fields, leading authorities to conduct drills last summer for emergency preparedness amid increasing tremor frequency.
This region is known for both seismic and volcanic activity, with surface levels rising by 1.3 meters (4.3 feet) since 2006. While risks are acknowledged, the precise timing of any potential stronger earthquake or volcanic eruption remains unpredictable. Approximately 500,000 residents reside in the high-risk zone, emphasizing the need for structural resilience against quakes of magnitude 5.0 or greater suggested by Italy’s national institute for geophysics and vulcanology.
In the wake of the 1984 seismic events, which led to the evacuation of about 40,000 residents due to fears of an impending eruption, preparedness remains a priority for the area.
The recent earthquake in Naples highlights the seismic risks faced by the city and its residents. With the strongest quake recorded in the Phlegrean Fields, officials stress the importance of structural resilience and emergency preparedness. The community’s prompt response and ongoing building inspections reflect an effort to ensure safety amid rising seismic activity in the region. The call for governmental planning underscores the need to better withstand potential future threats.
Original Source: www.pennlive.com
