A 4.4-magnitude earthquake struck Naples early Thursday morning, sending shockwaves through the southern Italian city and causing panic among its residents. The quake occurred at 1:25 AM local time on March 13, 2025, and was felt across Naples and its surrounding areas, including the nearby town of Pozzuoli.
The earthquake was the strongest recorded around the Phlegrean Fields, matching the magnitude of another quake from May 2024. Although the damage was primarily minor, local officials reported significant structural concerns, prompting emergency measures to address safety and health.
According to Mayor Gaetano Manfredi, the tremor led to the injury of 11 individuals who sought hospital treatment, including one woman who was hurt when part of her ceiling collapsed. "We are following with the greatest attention all of our structures, and are monitoring all events in real time," Manfredi stated, emphasizing authorities' commitment to ensuring public safety.
Residents were alerted to the quake's severity as they were jolted awake by the loud noise and the violent shaking. Many fled their homes, some choosing to sleep outdoors or inside their cars due to fears of aftershocks. One resident reported to GB News, "I was fast asleep when I heard a huge sound and started running outside, it was terrifying. Thankfully, my house has not been damaged, but the city centre and Pozzuoli suffered the most.”
The quake, recorded at a depth of 2.5 kilometers offshore from Pozzuoli, also disrupted power supplies, resulting in outages across parts of Naples. Emergency services quickly mobilized to inspect affected areas, including Bagnoli and Pozzuoli, where the damage was deemed most severe. One individual was reported saved from the rubble of a partially collapsed building.
Local officials declared several buildings, including one church and two residential structures, off-limits for public safety. Schools across Pozzuoli and nearby districts were temporarily closed to conduct structural stability checks, reflecting the vigilance required as residents deal with the aftermath. Inspections were extended to additional buildings to assess safety and ascertain any needed repairs.
Seismic activity is not new to the region, as the Phlegrean Fields is home to numerous volcanic structures and has experienced historical episodes of unrest. Disturbingly, the region's geological movements have increased recently, with concerns rising over the accelerated rate of ground uplift. Francesca Bianco, the director of INGV’s volcanoes department, noted, "The rate of the ground rising has trebled recently, going from 1 to 3 cm per month." This worrisome trend reignited fears among the 500,000 residents who live within the Vulcania active zone.
Local officials have heightened their preparatory measures, recalling the 1984 seismic activity when 40,000 residents were evacuated amid fears of possible volcanic eruptions. Authorities conducted emergency drills last summer, aiming to prepare residents for any significant seismic events in the future. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni observed the situation closely, assuring the public of continuous monitoring and coordinated efforts to respond effectively.
Despite the chaos, many locals have shown resilience, gathering together to share their experiences and support one another through this trying time. While the immediate aftershocks gave way to significant fears, residents hold firm hopes for safety and recovery as emergency services continue their assessments.
The earthquake serves as a poignant reminder of the geological volatility of the Campi Flegrei area, emphasizing the need for proactive disaster preparedness and the constant monitoring of seismic activity. With increased fears over future quakes and uncertainty about the potential consequences, residents remain vigilant as they navigate the aftermath of this latest seismic event.