A magnitude 2.9 earthquake rattled the southeast province of Rome early Thursday morning, awakening many residents in the Castelli Romani and Monti Prenestini regions. The seismic event struck at precisely 3:42 AM local time, with the epicenter located between San Cesareo and Rocca Priora, approximately 3 kilometers southeast of San Cesareo, according to the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV).
The earthquake, which had a hypocenter depth of 10 kilometers, was felt widely across the area, prompting numerous residents to take to social media in search of confirmation. Many reported a distinct noise accompanying the tremor, which startled them from their sleep. "I was awakened by a loud rumble and felt the building shake," said one local resident, reflecting the experiences of many who felt the quake.
Geographically, the earthquake was recorded at coordinates 41.7965 latitude and 12.8158 longitude. It was officially noted by the INGV’s Sala Sismica in Rome, with the exact time of occurrence logged as 03:42:58 AM Italian time (01:42:58 UTC).
Reports of the quake spread quickly, with residents from towns like Frascati, Palestrina, Monte Compatri, and Artena all confirming they felt the tremor. The quake was particularly noticeable in higher floors of buildings and in less densely populated areas, where the shaking was more pronounced.
Despite the widespread feeling of the earthquake, authorities have confirmed that there have been no reports of damage to people or property. Local officials, including the Civil Protection Agency, are monitoring the situation closely. Some municipalities, such as Rocca Priora and Lariano, have received numerous calls from concerned citizens describing the sudden movement of the earth.
Even though the quake was classified as moderate in intensity, it served as a reminder of the seismic nature of the Colli Albani and Monti Prenestini regions. Historically, this area has been subject to seismic activity, primarily consisting of minor shocks. While this latest tremor does not classify as alarming from a scientific perspective, it reignites public awareness of the region's geological characteristics.
As the morning progressed, local authorities began conducting checks on public buildings and schools in anticipation of the day's reopening. The earthquake, while not causing any immediate concerns, has prompted discussions about the importance of preparedness in an area that, although not classified as high-risk, is still susceptible to occasional seismic events.
Residents are reminded to stay informed and to follow any updates from local authorities. The INGV and local government agencies are expected to provide further information as they assess the situation. Although the earthquake did not result in physical harm, it highlights the necessity for ongoing vigilance regarding seismic activity in the region.
As of now, no significant aftershocks have been reported, and the community is returning to normalcy. However, the event serves as a crucial reminder of the earth's dynamic nature and the importance of preparedness in the face of natural events.
