Magnitude 3.5 Earthquake Rocks Campi Flegrei, Felt Across Naples
Naples, March 1 – An earthquake of magnitude 3.5 struck the Campi Flegrei area today, with its tremors distinctly felt across a large part of Naples. The event, recorded by the Vesuvius Observatory, occurred at 11:19 and 7 seconds local time, with its epicenter located 3 kilometers deep within the Astroni crater, near Agnano. This seismic activity is part of an ongoing seismic swarm in the region.
Strongly Felt Across the City
The strongest tremor was clearly perceived not only in the bordering Neapolitan districts such as Bagnoli, Agnano, Fuorigrotta, and Pianura, but also in many other parts of the city, including its hilly areas. Social media platforms were abuzz with residents expressing their surprise, with many exclaiming, “What a jolt, very strong!”
A second, less intense tremor, measuring magnitude 2.3, was recorded just minutes after the initial 11:19 AM quake and was also felt by the population.
No Immediate Reports of Damage
As of now, there have been no reports of damage to people or property. However, the regional Civil Protection agency, along with the municipalities in the affected area, promptly initiated structural checks and verification procedures to assess any potential impact.
Recent Seismic Activity in Campi Flegrei
The 3.5 magnitude tremor recorded this morning is among the most significant in recent times for the Campi Flegrei area. While other tremors have occurred in the past week, also linked to the bradyseism phenomenon, their magnitudes ranged between 1.1 and 2.2. Today’s event was both preceded and followed by a series of less powerful quakes, all detected by the INGV instrumentation, with the Solfatara area being a particular epicenter for these tremors.
The Campi Flegrei caldera is a large volcanic area situated to the west of Naples. It is known for its bradyseism, a phenomenon of gradual uplift or subsidence of the ground caused by changes in magma pressure beneath the surface. This activity frequently results in seismic swarms.
Community Response and Safety Measures
Local authorities are urging residents to remain calm and follow official guidelines. While the current seismic activity is a known characteristic of the Campi Flegrei area, continuous monitoring and preparedness are crucial. Emergency services are on alert, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
The ongoing seismic activity underscores the importance of public awareness and adherence to safety protocols in areas prone to such natural phenomena. The Vesuvius Observatory continues to monitor the situation closely to provide timely information to the public and authorities.
Source: https://napoli.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/26_febbraio_28/terremoto-a-napoli-oggi-scossa-di-magnitudo-3-5-nel-campi-flegrei-avvertita-in-tutto-il-capoluogo-120daa88-717b-4b86-ab85-5335ac0bcxlk.shtml
