Naples, Italy was struck by a 4.4-magnitude earthquake early Thursday morning, causing minor damage and sending 11 people to the hospital. This was the strongest quake in recorded history in the Phlegrean Fields area, known for its ancient volcanoes. The temblor occurred just offshore from Pozzuoli, a seaside suburb of Naples, and led to some buildings being declared off-limits due to damage.
Seismologists have observed an increase in seismic activity in the area in recent weeks, prompting authorities to conduct drills in preparation for a major emergency. The Phlegrean Fields area is both seismically and volcanically active, posing a risk to the 500,000 people living in the most at-risk zone should a volcano erupt. Italy’s national institute for geophysics and vulcanology has called for a plan to ensure structures can withstand a quake of at least magnitude 5.0.
The 1984 event in the same area led to the evacuation of 40,000 residents due to fears of an eruption that ultimately did not occur. The surface in the area has been pushed up 1.3 meters since 2006, higher than before the 1984 event, though scientists emphasize the difficulty in predicting when a stronger quake or eruption might happen.
Authorities in Naples are closely monitoring the situation, with inspectors checking buildings for damage and declaring some structures off-limits. The mayor of Naples, Gaetano Manfredi, emphasized the need for vigilance and preparedness in light of the increased seismic activity in the region.
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