Dozens injured as earthquake hits near Naples in seismic swarm
Wanderstayfinder.com – Dozens injured as earthquake hits near Naples have been confirmed following a significant 4.7-magnitude tremor that struck southern Italy on Friday evening. At least 26 people sustained injuries when the powerful quake rocked the Campi Flegrei region, home to Europe’s largest volcanic crater. The earthquake occurred at 7.46pm local time, causing widespread disruption including power outages, damaged public transport infrastructure, and significant damage to a pier in the volcanic area. This marks the strongest seismic event to hit the region in four decades, with part of a cliff and several unoccupied buildings collapsing during the intense shaking.
Evacuations and Emergency Response
Emergency services responded rapidly as the earthquake sent residents fleeing their homes. At least five of the injured were transported to hospitals for treatment, while approximately 300 people were evacuated from their residences in Pozzuoli, a city situated near the epicentre of the quake. Landslides triggered by the seismic activity added to the danger, forcing many residents to spend the night on streets, fearful that their buildings might suffer further damage or complete collapse. One survivor was described by a rescuer as being “alive by a miracle” as Italy’s civil protection minister, Nello Musumeci, urged continued caution and warned that volcanic activity in the region had not yet subsided.
“There is a risk that the mountain could continue to collapse, so it is dangerous,” said one rescuer monitoring the situation.
Seismic Swarm Continues
The earthquake, which occurred at a depth of 3km, was felt across Naples and the island of Ischia, with tremors reaching as far as the Sorrento peninsula. According to Italy’s national institute of geophysics and volcanology, this event was part of an ongoing seismic swarm. Following the main tremor, seismographs registered approximately 60 additional earthquakes, including a 3.1-magnitude quake at 5.47am that residents of Bacoli, Pozzuoli, and Naples could feel. The continued seismic activity has left communities on edge as aftershocks persist.
Local residents expressed frustration that the situation could have been better managed. “What makes us angry is that this situation was foreseeable, because there had already been problems with the mountain for a year and a half,” one local told reporters. “The municipality knew about the situation and did nothing – perhaps if they had acted sooner, this could have been avoided.” The heaviest structural damage was reported in Pozzuoli, where a building partially collapsed and large chunks of rubble crushed parked vehicles without causing additional injuries. Nine buildings have now been deemed unsafe as comprehensive structural inspections continue throughout the affected area.
“We all ran out of our homes because it was impossible to stay inside. It lasted a long time and was very powerful, and we no longer know what we are supposed to do. We have been left here in the middle of the street, and no one has come to check on us or tell us what to do. We are here with very young children.”
Transport and Infrastructure Disruption
The earthquake caused significant disruption to transport networks across the region. Firefighters reported multiple incidents including lifts becoming stuck in buildings and a high-voltage pylon supplying electricity to the Agnano area of Naples partially collapsing, affecting approximately 100,000 households. The port authority confirmed that the Pozzuoli pier was unusable, leading to the suspension of ferry and hydrofoil services to nearby islands. High-speed train passengers experienced delays of up to six hours, with some travelers being rerouted to alternative destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How strong was the earthquake near Naples? The earthquake measured 4.7 on the Richter scale and occurred at a depth of 3km, making it the strongest tremor to hit the region in 40 years.
How many people were injured? At least 26 people sustained injuries, with five requiring hospital treatment following the seismic event.
Is the seismic activity continuing? Yes, Italy’s national institute of geophysics and volcanology reported approximately 60 additional tremors following the main earthquake, indicating an ongoing seismic swarm.
What areas were affected? The earthquake was felt across Naples, the island of Ischia, the Sorrento peninsula, and the cities of Pozzuoli and Bacoli in the Campi Flegrei region.
Are transport services operating normally? Transport services remain disrupted with high-speed train delays of up to six hours, suspended ferry services to islands, and power outages affecting 100,000 households in the Agnano area.
