Naples Earthquake: Residents Sleep in Cars Amid Rescue Operations

A 4.4 magnitude earthquake hit Naples early Thursday, causing residents to sleep in cars or outside, while power outages were reported. The nearby town of Pozzuoli saw a ceiling collapse, injuring a man. Schools will be closed for safety checks, as local officials urge calm amid ongoing rescue operations. Naples, positioned on the Campi Flegrei, is prone to seismic events.

In Naples, residents faced the challenge of sleeping in their cars or outdoors following a significant earthquake of 4.4 magnitude that occurred early Thursday morning. The tremor, reported by Italian seismologists, struck at 1:25 AM local time (00:25 AM GMT) and at a depth of approximately two miles, leading to power outages in certain parts of the city.

The nearby town of Pozzuoli experienced a serious incident when a ceiling collapsed, injuring a man who was subsequently rescued by firefighters, as reported by the Italian newspaper Corriere Della Sera. In the coastal district of Bagnoli, rescue efforts were underway to free individuals trapped in their homes, with some residents reportedly exiting through windows, according to the news agency ANSA.

As a precautionary measure, schools in the affected areas will remain closed until structural stability checks can be completed. Mayor Josi Gerardo Della Ragione of the Bacoli municipality encouraged citizens to “remain calm” and to rely on official sources for information and updates during this troubling time.

Naples is situated on the Campi Flegrei, a volcanic area that renders the region susceptible to seismic activity. Notably, Thursday’s earthquake matched the magnitude of a quake that occurred in May, which marked the strongest seismic event in the Campi Flegrei area in four decades. Additionally, this recent event follows a 3.9 magnitude earthquake that occurred near Naples last month.

The recent 4.4 magnitude earthquake in Naples prompted numerous residents to seek refuge outside or in their vehicles while rescue operations unfolded. Authorities have confirmed injuries and structural damage, prompting school closures for safety evaluations. The earthquake’s timing coincides with a recent history of seismic activity in the region, emphasizing the area’s vulnerability due to its geological characteristics.

Original Source: www.standard.co.uk