Panic spreads through Naples as shallow M4.4 earthquake hits Campi Flegrei, Italy

Panic spreads through Naples as shallow M4.4 earthquake hits Campi Flegrei, Italy

Rishika Yadav

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 epicenter was located 3 km (1.9 miles) ESE of Bacoli (population 25 590), 6 km (3.7 miles) SE of Pozzuoli (population 81 661), and 9 km (5.6 miles) W of Naples (population 974 074), in the Campi Flegrei region of Italy.

At least six aftershocks were recorded, the strongest of which had a magnitude of 1.6 at 01:40 UTC, followed by a 1.1 event at 03:26 UTC. Experts warn that further seismic activity in the region remains possible.

The M4.4 earthquake is part of an ongoing seismic swarm in the Campi Flegrei area, which began at 01:25 LT (00:25 UTC). At least 20 earthquakes of magnitude M ≥ 0.0 have been recorded since the onset of the swarm, with the strongest event reaching.

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 former NATO base in Bagnoli, designated as an emergency shelter, saw tension as citizens forced the gates open in search of refuge for the night. Police intervened diplomatically, preventing physical confrontations from escalating.

In response to the earthquake, schools in the X Municipality of Naples, including the Bagnoli and Fuorigrotta districts, will be closed on March 13 for structural inspections. Schools in Pozzuoli and Bacoli were also closed for precautionary checks.

In Quarto, no damage was reported, and classes continued as usual. In Bacoli, Mayor Josi Gerardo Della Ragione personally inspected school buildings and confirmed their safety, allowing them to remain open. Firefighting teams have been mobilized to assess buildings, prioritizing schools and high-risk structures to ensure public safety.

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