Naples Experiences Severe Earthquake of 4.4 Magnitude

Naples was struck by a powerful 4.4 magnitude earthquake on March 13, 2025, leading to panic among residents and emergency evacuations. The quake lasted approximately twenty seconds and was followed by two hours of aftershocks. Originating from 2.5 kilometers below Pozzuoli, this quake represents the strongest seismic event in the area in four decades.

The city of Naples experienced a significant seismic event on March 13, 2025, registering a 4.4 magnitude earthquake. Occurring at approximately 1:25 a.m., the tremor lasted for about twenty seconds and caused widespread panic among residents, who were forced to flee their homes and spend the night outdoors. Following the initial earthquake, a series of aftershocks continued to affect the area for two additional hours.

The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) reported that the earthquake originated from a depth of approximately 2.5 kilometers beneath the city of Pozzuoli, located to the west of Naples. Emergency services, including firefighters, responded promptly to the situation, rescuing individuals in distress, and successfully extracting an injured woman trapped under rubble caused by the ceiling collapse in Pozzuoli.

This recent quake marks the second 4.4-magnitude earthquake to impact the region within a year, as a similar event occurred in May 2024. These incidents represent the strongest seismic activity experienced in Naples in the past four decades. Importantly, both earthquakes were centered in the Phlegraean Fields of Pozzuoli, an area situated above Europe’s largest active volcanic caldera, which poses risks to over half a million people residing within the Mount Vesuvius danger zone.

The recent earthquake in Naples, measuring 4.4 in magnitude, is among the strongest recorded in decades, exacerbating existing concerns due to its location near a significant volcanic site. Residents faced panic and displacement, while rescue efforts highlighted the immediate response of emergency services. As seismic activity continues to pose risks in this region, ongoing monitoring and preparedness remain vital for the safety of local communities.

Original Source: jang.com.pk