
On January 28, 2025, at 04:46 UTC (05:46 local time), a magnitude 2.6 earthquake occurred near Mount Vesuviusat a shallow depth of just 1 km. Despite its low magnitude, this event drew attention due to its location in one of Europe’s most closely monitored volcanic regions.
The event was recorded by the INGV-OV Operational Center in Naples, with geographical coordinates of 40.8200 latitude and 14.4270 longitude.
Towns close to the epicenter
The quake was located approximately 6 km east of Portici and 6 km northeast of Torre del Greco, affecting a highly populated area. The closest towns include:
- Massa di Somma (5 km, 5,444 inhabitants)
- San Sebastiano al Vesuvio (5 km, 9,196 inhabitants)
- Trecase (6 km, 9,097 inhabitants)
- Ottaviano (6 km, 23,860 inhabitants)
In total, more than 2.6 million people live within a 20 km radius of the epicenter, underlining the importance of continuous monitoring.
Monitoring the Vesuvius area
Being an active volcanic region, Mount Vesuvius is constantly monitored by the Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV). Events like this, although minor, are crucial signals that experts analyze to detect potential changes in the underground activity.
The proximity of Mount Vesuvius to major urban centers such as Naples and Castellammare di Stabia highlights the necessity of an early warning system to prevent larger-scale risks.
Did you feel the quake?
If you experienced the earthquake or wish to share your thoughts, feel free to leave a comment in the form below. Your input helps improve the understanding of local impacts from such events.