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Tag: Campi Flegrei

  • Italy plans national emergency for Campi Flegrei after series of earthquakes

    Italy plans national emergency for Campi Flegrei after series of earthquakes

    Musumeci: “Extraordinary measures needed to face the seismic risk and speed up response procedures”

    A critical step for a growing risk

    After three noticeable earthquakes in two months, Minister Nello Musumeci has proposed declaring a national state of emergency for the Campi Flegrei volcanic area. The decision follows a high-level meeting in Rome with the heads of Civil Protection, Casa Italia, and other government departments.

    Streamlining emergency response

    The proposed decree aims to accelerate the bureaucratic process and implement already existing measures more effectively. These actions, developed under Meloni’s government, target the specific seismic and bradyseismic activitythat threatens the densely populated region west of Naples.

    Bradyseism: a growing concern

    The Campi Flegrei area is known for bradyseism, a volcanic phenomenon that causes slow, cyclical ground uplift. This natural process, now increasing in frequency and intensity, raises alarms about a possible eruption and infrastructure instability, requiring swift and coordinated action.

    Coordination with the Campania region

    Before presenting the proposal to the Council of Ministers, Musumeci will consult the President of the Campania Region to secure the necessary agreement. This step underlines the importance of a shared governance approach in managing the crisis.

  • Campi Flegrei shake: the 4.4 quake that rattled Naples

    Campi Flegrei shake: the 4.4 quake that rattled Naples

    A 4.4 magnitude earthquake just 3 km deep struck near Pozzuoli on May 13, alarming over 2 million people in a high-risk volcanic area

    A shallow earthquake in a sensitive area

    A magnitude 4.4 earthquake hit the Campi Flegrei volcanic area at 12:07 PM (local time) on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. The shock was recorded at only 3 km depth, making it a shallow and widely felt event.

    The epicenter was near Pozzuoli, a densely populated area west of Naples. The quake was recorded by the INGV – Osservatorio Vesuviano at coordinates 40.8245 N, 14.1117 E.

    Over 2 million people potentially affected

    The quake was felt strongly across the Phlegraean Fields, including Naples and many surrounding towns such as Quarto, Bacoli, Marano, Giugliano, Casoria and more. In total, more than 2 million residents live within 20 km of the epicenter.

    Given the volcanic nature of the region, residents reacted with fear, though no major damages or injuries were reported at this time.

    Part of an ongoing seismic swarm

    This is not an isolated event. The Campi Flegrei region has been experiencing ongoing seismic swarms, likely tied to underground pressure and ground uplift.

    Experts from INGV suggest that this quake fits the pattern of fractures due to uplift, which is common in volcanic calderas under stress.

    What to do in case of more shocks?

    Civil protection officials are urging caution and reminding residents to follow standard earthquake safety procedures:

    • Stay away from glass and suspended objects
    • Take cover under a sturdy table or doorway
    • Avoid elevators and staircases
    • Keep an emergency bag ready with essentials

    A signal not to ignore

    This earthquake is a wake-up call for an area where volcanic and seismic risks intersect. Continued investment in monitoring, infrastructure, and public preparedness is essential.