A series of earthquakes shook the Campi Flegrei area, near Naples, early on February 5, 2025, prompting school evacuations and urgent safety responses. The seismic activity, beginning at 8:11 AM with the first tremor recorded at 1.1 magnitude, escalated significantly with stronger quakes measuring 2.6 at 8:32 AM and 3.1 at 8:52 AM, according to the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV). The tremors were felt across various neighborhoods, particularly at higher altitudes, spreading fear among residents and prompting rapid action from local authorities.
The earthquake's epicenter was located near the notable volcanic sites of Solfatara and Pisciarelli, approximately 5 kilometers east of Pozzuoli, raising alarms about possible impacts on the community. Francesca Bianco, director of the volcano department at INGV, explained, "The largest quake, which reached magnitude 3.1, is directly linked to the ground uplift phenomena observed continuously since 2005. With the ground rising at about 2 centimeters per month, we anticipate more seismic events like this." This growing activity has led to enhanced monitoring and preparedness efforts within the area.
Following the initial tremors, emergency protocols were activated, leading to the suspension of classes across seven local schools. The principal of the Rossini hotel school, located in Bagnoli, cancelled lessons for the day, and several other institutions followed suit swiftly out of caution. With the alarms ringing near school hours, some students reportedly experienced delays upon entering school, turning what should have been routine mornings filled with chatter and laughter, to anxious moments of uncertainty.
A parent shared the harrowing experience of her daughter, who attends Madonna Assunta school. "We heard the first quake, we put our heads under the desk. Then our teachers told us what to do. We went out. And then there was the second, stronger quake. We were scared," recounted the eight-year-old student to her mother. These sentiments were echoed throughout the community, with fears still palpable but no immediate structural damages reported.
Mayor Gigi Manzoni of Pozzuoli reassured the public, stating, "The shakes were felt, coinciding with school entry times, causing delays at several institutions. Currently, checks are being conducted by regional civil protection and municipal police. We have received no reports of damages to property or injuries to people after assessing the area." Safety remains the priority, with inspections done rapidly to evaluate the integrity of educational facilities.
On the city streets, parents rushed to pick up their children, fueled by concern but guided by the protocols established over time inherently to handle such seismic occurrences. The evacuation measures taken were not merely procedures; they reflect years of training and preparedness, underscored by previous natural events faced by the community.
Additional reports from the Vesuvian Observatory noted the occurrence of over 50 quakes throughout the morning, with most being relatively weak. While the immediate danger appears contained, local governance highlighted the need for continuous vigilance and immediate reporting of any irregularities experienced by residents.
After rigorous inspections, it was confirmed by the Mayor of Naples, Gaetano Manfredi, via social media, "All safety protocols were triggered, and we communicated with institutions to quickly assess buildings. No damage was found to schools or hospitals; classes can resume safely." Thankful but vigilant, locals remain aware of the geological volatility of their region.
Despite the day’s fright, students began using the green park beside their school after safety checks had been completed at institutions like the Righi school, where students were allowed to return after assessments ruled out any risk to their safety. It is this resilience and community spirit, stemming from the burdens of living above active geological hotspots, which defines the spirit of those living around Campi Flegrei.
Effectively, the swarming tremors serve as reminders of the region's volatility rather than as alerts to immediate catastrophe; nonetheless, with structures evaluated, and daily life returning closer to normal, the people remain united under the watchful eye of local authorities, dedicated to their safety and continuity.
Measures have also been introduced to shut down attractions at the Campi Flegrei archaeological park until comprehensive safety examinations can be concluded, indicating the care administrators take when addressing unforeseen hazards within their historical sites. The priorities remain clear: safety first.