Naples tremors spark panic as residents brace for further quakes

On Monday evening, the area around Naples was struck by 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 appealed to concerned residents.

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

Panic erupted in many places due to the fear residents have felt since last year because of 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 out in the open air.

In cooperation with Civil Protection, local authorities organised temporary accommodations for the residents of the Campania region who were 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 be able to withstand all these tremors?

The Mayor of Pozzuoli, Gigi Manzoni, appealed to residents to stay calm. He also informed about the formation of 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 may occur, also of similar energy,” experts stated.