A 4.7-magnitude earthquake struck near the southern Italian city of Naples on Friday at 7:46pm, marking the most powerful seismic event to hit the region in four decades. The tremor, which originated at a depth of 3km, is part of an ongoing seismic swarm according to Italy’s national institute of geophysics and volcanology. The quake was felt across Naples, the island of Ischia, and reached as far as the Sorrento peninsula.
At least 21 people sustained injuries, with two individuals reported to be in critical condition as of Saturday morning. More than 250 residents have been evacuated from their homes, with many choosing to spend the night outdoors due to fears of structural collapse. One rescuer noted that a person was saved by a miracle, while expressing frustration over the lack of preventative action regarding the mountain's stability, which had shown signs of distress for over a year and a half.
The impact was particularly severe in Pozzuoli, located near the epicentre in the Campi Flegrei region—Europe’s largest volcanic crater. A building partially collapsed in the area, and rubble damaged several parked cars. Authorities have deemed nine buildings unsafe, and inspections are ongoing. Residents reported a long and powerful shaking, with many expressing confusion and fear as they were left in the streets without guidance.
The earthquake caused widespread logistical disruption. Firefighters reported stuck lifts and the partial collapse of a high-voltage pylon, which cut power to approximately 100,000 households in the Agnano area of Naples. Furthermore, the port authority declared the Pozzuoli pier unusable, leading to the suspension of ferry and hydrofoil services. High-speed rail passengers faced delays of up to six hours, with some trains being rerouted.
Following the main event, seismographs recorded about 60 additional tremors. A 3.1-magnitude quake occurred at 5:47am, which was felt by residents in Bacoli, Pozzuoli, and Naples. The region remains on alert as authorities continue to assess the damage caused by the collapsing cliffside and structural failures.
At least 21 injured and more than 250 evacuated in strongest quake to hit southern Italian region in 40 years
The quake, which occurred at 7.46pm on Friday night, caused power outages, disrupted public transport and damaged buildings and a pier in Campi Flegrei, the site of Europe’s largest volcanic crater.
