A shallow earthquake registered by the INGV as M4.4 hit the Campi Flegrei region of Italy at 00:25 UTC (01:25 LT) on March 13, 2025. The agency is reporting a depth of 2 km (1.2 miles). The earthquake matched the strongest event in 40 years but showed unprecedented ground accelerations, indicating greater intensity, according to the Vesuvius Observatory. The USGS and EMSC reported a magnitude of 4.2, with USGS reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles) and EMSC 3 km (1.9 miles).
The magnitude of tonight’s earthquake matched the event recorded on May 20, 2024, which was the strongest in the region in the past 40 years. However, according to the mayor of Pozzuoli, Luigi Manzoni, this event exhibited unprecedented ground accelerations, suggesting greater intensity. Manzoni cited information from the Vesuvius Observatory, which continuously monitors the area’s volcanic and seismic activity.
The earthquake caused panic in Naples, with many residents rushing to the streets in fear. The tremor was especially impactful in the Bagnoli neighborhood, where debris from buildings, including parts of the Sant’Anna church bell tower, fell onto streets and parked cars.
A woman sustained minor injuries from a collapsed false ceiling and was assisted by emergency responders. Several residents were also temporarily trapped in their homes because of jammed doors following the quake.
The mayor of Pozzuoli, Luigi Manzoni, cited reports from the Vesuvius Observatory indicating that the event was characterized by ground accelerations, reinforcing concerns over the region’s seismic volatility. The Campi Flegrei area is one of the world’s most active calderas, and its bradyseism, a phenomenon of slow uplift and subsidence of the ground, has been increasing in intensity.
“I am constantly monitoring the evolution of the situation following the strong earthquake that hit the Campi Flegrei area this night. I am in close contact with Undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano, with the Minister for Civil Protection, Nello Musumeci, and with the Head of the Civil Protection Department, Fabio Ciciliano.” Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said.
Bigger than the Yellowstone super volcano.
ReplyDeleteJust clearing and cleaning out the DUMBS. Trafficking tunnels.
ReplyDeleteYes, at that depth...so they cannot easily rebuild.
Delete“…with many residents rushing to the streets in fear. The tremor was especially impactful in the Bagnoli neighborhood, where debris from buildings, including parts of the Sant’Anna church bell tower, fell onto streets and parked cars.”
ReplyDeleteI have been in two substantial earthquakes, Northridge CA 1994 and Roermond NL 1992 (altho I was in Germany, it was quite a shake anyway).
Both California and Germany like to use red clay shingles on their roofs. When the big shakes came those shingles broke their attachments and slid right off. People running out of their houses got hit in the head by their own shingles.
If you have the presence of mind, might want to not run right out in the street while the roller coaster is still operating. Hide under the dining room table, or in the doorway, or whatever. It’s possible your whole house will collapse on you, but if the earthquake is that big, you probably won’t have time to exit anyway.
Never "hide in the doorway" as the doorway can lean and crush you. See "stuck doors" in the story. Best place to hide is next to a bed or sofa, as you will be left with breathing room when the place collapses.
DeleteMy family camped for a weekend in the large old caldera (green on the map, with roads in it) some years ago; stationed in Italy and one of my daughters was a Girl Scout on this trip. I remember getting directions using Pozzuoli as a reference. Surreal view from our tent - a circular rock wall with an asymptotic curve to it (right word? got steeper the higher it went). I knew that we were sleeping in a volcanic crater, and even though it was inactive - as far as I knew - we had visited Pompeii and Herculaneum, and I couldn't WAIT to get out of there. Didn't say anything to the family, as planting worry is counterproductive.
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