Earthquake in Naples: a 4.7-magnitude tremor in the Campi Flegrei, the strongest in 40 years

The earthquake, with its epicentre in the Campi Flegrei, registered a magnitude of 4.7 and was recorded by seismographs at 7.46 pm. This is the strongest tremor since the phenomenon of bradyseism resumed in the Pozzuoli area, and the strongest felt in Campania in the last forty years. The earthquake was clearly felt in the provincial capital as well as in other towns across the province. At present, no significant damage to buildings has been reported, but inspections are still ongoing.

The strong tremor was also clearly felt on the islands of Procida and Ischia, causing moments of concern amongst the population. In Procida in particular, the earthquake at 7.46 pm was distinctly felt by numerous residents, especially in areas facing the mainland. Reports came in from Marina Grande, Via Libertà, Via Vittorio Emanuele and Terra Murata, where many people reported feeling the tremor. The tremor was also accompanied by a brief power cut affecting some areas of the island. Mayor Luigi Muro immediately ordered the activation of the Civil Protection Municipal Operations Centre (COC). Following initial assessments, the local authority announced that there had been no reports of injury or damage to property, although residents remain deeply shaken. There were also moments of concern on Ischia, where numerous reports came in from Ischia Porto, Barano and Casamicciola. The earthquake was also distinctly felt on the ‘green island’, although no critical issues or damage to buildings and infrastructure have emerged so far. The authorities are continuing to monitor the situation, whilst checks are ongoing in the Phlegraean area, the epicentre of the earthquake.

Immediately after the earthquake that was recorded this evening, the Prefect of Naples, Michele di Bari, spoke to the mayors of Pozzuoli and Bacoli and convened the Emergency Coordination Centre to assess the situation, not only with regard to the Phlegraean area, but also for the city of Naples, where the tremor was clearly felt (ANSA).The Prefect of Naples, Michele di Bari, immediately after the earthquake that was recorded this evening, spoke to the mayors of Pozzuoli and Bacoli and convened the Emergency Coordination Centre to assess the situation not only in the Phlegraean area, but also for the city of Naples, where the tremor was clearly felt.

The images from one of the videos that went viral online following the earthquake in the Campi Flegrei are particularly striking. They show the collapse of an entire hillside in the Girolamini area. Large boulders can be seen falling. Some crumble on impact, whilst others remain intact. They land on parked cars and crush them. The area is completely covered in a cloud of white dust. Several people are in the street, frightened by what has happened. It is in this area that some of the earthquake’s casualties (eight in total) were reported, although their injuries were classified as ‘yellow’ (non-life-threatening).

(The port of Pozzuoli was closed following the strong earthquake recorded this evening. The quake caused deep cracks in the access lanes to the commercial port’s quays, raising concerns about safety and stability. Consequently, all maritime services departing from and arriving at the Phlegraean port have been suspended. The closure will result in the suspension of over forty daily sailings, including ferries and high-speed vessels, scheduled to and from Ischia and Procida. The measure was ordered by the commander of the Pozzuoli Harbour Master’s Office, Lieutenant Agostino Galati. At present, the ferry companies have not yet announced any rescheduling of services to other ports. Mario Casillo, the Campania Region’s Transport Councillor, has announced that tomorrow morning the quays will in all likelihood undergo technical inspections to ascertain the extent of the damage and assess the possibility of reopening the port. The situation is of particular concern given the heavy traffic expected over the weekend, with the start of August and the resulting significant increase in tourist numbers heading to Ischia and Procida.