Naples Faces Overnight Crisis as Earthquake Forces Residents Outdoors

A late-night earthquake has left many in Naples seeking refuge outdoors as they confront uncertainty and potential aftershocks.

In the early hours of Thursday, a 4.4 magnitude earthquake rattled Naples, Italy, displacing residents who spent the night in their cars and on the streets. The earthquake struck at 01:25 local time (00:25 GMT), with a shallow depth of only three kilometers (two miles), according to Italian seismologists. The US Geological Survey, however, recorded it slightly differently, noting a magnitude of 4.2 at a depth of ten kilometers.

As a result of the tremor, power outages affected parts of Naples, while a person was rescued from the rubble of a partially collapsed building in the nearby town of Pozzuoli, which was close to the epicenter. The quake prompted widespread alarm across various areas of the Campania region, with many feeling the intensity of the tremors.

Following the main quake, officials reported at least two weaker aftershocks, leading to increased anxiety among residents. Streets in Naples were filled with individuals leaving their homes, concerned about the potential for additional seismic activity. Photographic evidence displayed the devastation, including damage to properties and vehicles, such as a car with a shattered windshield.

In response to the situation, a rescue coordination center was established to manage and evaluate the damage sustained. Schools in Pozzuoli and nearby neighborhoods were closed for the day to allow inspections to ensure the stability and safety of buildings in the area.

Naples, sitting atop the Phlegraean Fields—an area known for its volcanic activity—remains vulnerable to earthquakes, a reality that continues to heighten the concerns of local residents.