Fear in the Campi Flegrei due to the latest seismic swarm, night out for many

Fear in the Phlegraean Fields for the latest seismic swarm in progress, which yesterday recorded an earthquake tremor of magnitude 4.4: the strongest in 40 years. One hundred and fifty seismic events have occurred since last night. Cracks and falling cornices have been reported in the areas near the epicentre, in the area of the Pozzuoli solfatara. Schools closed today in several municipalities in the area.

It was a night on the streets for many citizens of Pozzuoli, who fortunately did not feel any earthquake tremors. Many found shelter in cars parked far from the buildings, or in the two small tent camps quickly set up by the Civil Defence in the port area and along the Pertini seafront. Little sleep, however, for everyone: there were those who spent the time playing cards or those who stayed the whole night with the radio on, waiting for news. At dawn, and due to a sudden drop in temperature, many, braving the fear, decided to return home. There were also moments of tension during the night: some complained about the absence of chemical toilets, which arrived in Pozzuoli this morning.

Since 7.51pm yesterday, the seismic swarm underway in the Phlegraean Fields area has registered around 150 earthquakes, the strongest of which, with a magnitude of 4.4, within the Solfatara. This was highlighted by the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (Ingv), adding that no increase in the rate of uplift, which is currently 2 cm/month, nor variations in the trend of horizontal deformations or local soil deformations that differ from the previous trend have been recorded. The INGV therefore recalls that during the bradyseismic crisis of 1982-84, ground uplift reached 9 cm per month, and even 1300 seismic events per month were exceeded. Currently, however, around 450 events have been recorded in the last month. Moreover, the geochemical parameters 'do not show any significant variations with respect to the trends of recent months, apart from the well-known increase in temperature and pressure that characterises the hydrothermal system'. "Seismicity," adds the Ingv, "is not a predictable phenomenon, so it cannot be excluded that other seismic events may occur, even of similar energy with what has already been recorded during the current swarm. The Ingv Vesuvius Observatory continues ordinary and extraordinary monitoring activities in order to "identify even the smallest variations in the monitoring parameters useful to better define the current phenomenon.

Reports of cracks and falling cornices from buildings have reached the fire brigade operations room following the earthquake tremors recorded in the evening in the Phlegraean Fields area, in particular the one of magnitude 4.4 at 8.10pm. Fire brigade teams are working in the area to directly verify the situation. The first evacuations are expected between Pozzuoli and Bacoli. This is what we learn on the rescue front. There are currently about 40 interventions underway by the fire brigade, who are verifying the fitness of dozens of buildings. There is minor damage and subsidence, with falling debris. The worst affected area is between Pozzuoli and Bacoli, on the outskirts of Naples.

Rail traffic was suspended, as a precautionary measure, from 8.15 p.m. on a number of routes in the Campania region affected by the earthquake that occurred in the evening with the epicentre at Pozzuoli. In particular, on the Naples - Formia line, circulation has been suspended on the Villa Literno - Naples section; on the Naples - Cassino line, circulation has been suspended on the Casalnuovo - Naples section; on the Naples underground line, circulation has been suspended on the Villa Literno - Naples S. Giovanni Barra section. Circulation was also slowed on the Rome - Naples AV and Naples - Salerno (Via Monte del Vesuvio) lines. The necessary checks are being carried out by Rfi technicians to allow normal circulation to resume.