Following a tremor in the early hours of Thursday, many residents in Naples and nearby towns evacuated their homes due to safety fears. The earthquake, measured at 4.4 magnitude, led to power outages and infrastructure damage, prompting local authorities to close schools for safety inspections.
Naples Residents Seek Shelter Outdoors After Earthquake Rattles the City
Naples Residents Seek Shelter Outdoors After Earthquake Rattles the City
A 4.4 magnitude earthquake forces residents of Naples and surrounding areas to spend the night outdoors, as concerns grow over structural safety and aftershocks.
Residents of Naples and surrounding areas were forced to spend the night on the streets and in their vehicles after an earthquake struck, causing significant concern for safety. The 4.4 magnitude quake hit at 1:25 AM local time, with a shallow depth of just three kilometers, while the US Geological Survey recorded it slightly differently at 4.2 magnitude at a deeper depth of 10 kilometers.
In the aftermath, disruptions to the power supply were reported in several parts of Naples, exacerbating the situation for those seeking shelter. Near the quake's epicenter in Pozzuoli, emergency services rescued an injured individual from the rubble of a partially collapsed home, illustrating the earthquake's immediate impact.
Naples, situated on the Phlegraean Fields—a volcanic area notorious for seismic activity—experienced tremors that were felt across the Campania region, prompting fears of stronger aftershocks. Local reports confirm that at least two weaker aftershocks followed the initial quake.
Images from the scene captured the chaos, with residents evacuating their homes onto the streets and reports of damaged structures, including a visibly impacted house and a vehicle with a shattered windscreen. In response to the potential hazards, officials have established a rescue coordination center to assess the extent of the damage.
To prioritize safety, schools in Pozzuoli and surrounding neighborhoods will be closed for the day, allowing authorities to conduct thorough inspections of building stability and reinforce public safety in light of the recent events. The situation continues to develop as community members remain on edge, uncertain about the potential for more seismic activity.
