CATANIA – On April 15, 2025, the province of Catania experienced two mild earthquakes that were distinctly felt by local residents. According to the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV), the first seismic event occurred at 2:06 AM, registering a magnitude of 2.1 on the Richter scale. This quake had a hypocenter located at a depth of 1.4 kilometers, with its epicenter situated west of Zafferana Etnea, a town known for its proximity to Mount Etna.
The second earthquake struck at 7:21 AM on the same day, also with a magnitude of 2.1, but with a slightly deeper hypocenter of 1.7 kilometers. This quake's epicenter was located northwest of Fleri, a frazione of Zafferana that had previously suffered during the December 2018 earthquake.
Despite the low magnitudes, the shallow depths of these earthquakes allowed the vibrations to be clearly felt in the nearby communities, particularly during the quiet of the night. Numerous reports came in from citizens who experienced the tremors firsthand. Fortunately, there were no reports of damage to people or property.
The Regional Civil Protection Agency is maintaining constant contact with INGV to monitor the situation closely. As a precautionary measure, the Mayor of Aci Sant’Antonio, Quintino Rocca, announced the closure of all schools in the municipality for April 16, 2025. This decision was made to ensure the safety of students and staff, allowing for thorough inspections of school buildings by municipal technicians. "We have a team actively monitoring the situation on the ground," said Mayor Rocca. "Currently, there are no alarming reports, but we cannot afford to take risks. We understand the inconvenience this decision may cause families, but safety comes first."
In a separate seismic event, later on April 16, 2025, at 3:26 AM Italian time (01:26 UTC), a more significant earthquake was recorded in the Southern Ionian Sea, measuring 4.8 in magnitude. The epicenter of this quake was located offshore, at a depth of 48 kilometers, with geographical coordinates of 37.5578 latitude and 16.0773 longitude. This tremor was felt distinctly throughout eastern Sicily and southern Calabria, waking many residents in the Catania area.
Although the earthquake's epicenter was in the sea, its intensity was such that it was perceived across various locations, prompting numerous reports on social media where users described the quake as brief yet intense. Fortunately, there were no significant material damages or injuries reported, but local authorities and the Civil Protection Agency are continuing to monitor the situation and conduct checks in potentially vulnerable areas.
The INGV has confirmed the details of the seismic activity and urges the population to consult official sources for further updates. The tremors serve as a reminder of the seismic vulnerability of the Ionian area and the entire Etna region, which has a history of tectonic activity.
In addition to the earthquakes, the INGV reported an increase in volcanic tremor activity at Mount Etna, particularly at the South-East Crater, where the amplitude of volcanic tremor has shown a consistent increase since 2 AM on April 15, 2025, with values spiking from 7 AM. This increase in volcanic activity raises concerns among scientists and local authorities about potential eruptions.
As the situation develops, residents are advised to stay informed through official channels and to report any damages or unusual occurrences to the authorities. The seismic events highlight the ongoing geological activity in the region, reminding everyone of the importance of preparedness and awareness in areas prone to earthquakes.
In summary, the recent seismic activity in Catania serves as a crucial reminder of the region's geological volatility. With the combination of mild earthquakes and increased volcanic activity at Mount Etna, local authorities are on high alert, ensuring that measures are in place to safeguard the community.
