A magnitude 4.7 earthquake struck near Naples, Italy, on Friday evening, triggering widespread damage, power outages, and panic among residents. The tremor, centered near the Campi Flegrei volcanic area, was felt across Naples and neighboring regions, including the island of Ischia and the Sorrento peninsula. At least 26 people were injured, with five requiring hospitalization. The quake caused landslides, structural damage, and the partial collapse of a cliff, prompting evacuations in parts of Pozzuoli, a town near the epicenter. The earthquake occurred at 7:46 pm local time on Friday, according to the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV). It had a depth of 3 kilometers and was followed by approximately 60 smaller tremors, including a 3.1-magnitude quake early Saturday morning. These aftershocks were primarily felt in the Campi Flegrei area, with the strongest one registering at 5:47 am in Bacoli and Pozzuoli. Seismic activity in the region has increased significantly in recent months, raising concerns about potential future eruptions or larger earthquakes. Pozzuoli bore the brunt of the damage, with multiple buildings partially collapsing and sections of the city rendered unsafe. A pier used for ferry and hydrofoil services to nearby islands was destroyed, forcing the suspension of maritime traffic. High-speed trains connecting Naples to other parts of Italy faced delays of up to six hours, with some passengers rerouted. Power outages affected nearly 100,000 households, particularly in areas such as Pizzofalcone and Fuorigrotta. Residents described scenes of chaos, with many fleeing their homes due to fears of further tremors or structural failures. Some families spent the night outside, unsure whether their buildings were safe. One resident said they were forced to run into the streets because it was impossible to remain indoors. Others criticized local authorities for failing to act on prior warnings about instability in the area. A rescuer noted that the situation might have been preventable if officials had addressed known risks earlier. The Italian government responded swiftly, with Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani pledging support for those displaced by the disaster. He assured that the government would assist evacuated individuals and work toward solutions for rebuilding and ensuring the safety of damaged structures. Meanwhile, the country’s civil protection chief, Nello Musumeci, warned that volcanic activity in the region remained a concern, urging continued vigilance. Emergency services reported receiving calls about elevators becoming trapped and a high-voltage pylon partially collapsing in the Agnano district of Naples. However, firefighters stated they had no immediate need to conduct rescue operations beyond assessing damage and securing hazardous areas. Despite the lack of major casualties, the psychological impact on the community was evident, with many expressing uncertainty about how to proceed. The Campi Flegrei area, home to Europe’s largest volcanic crater, has long been monitored for signs of unrest. Scientists have noted increasing seismic activity in recent years, though predicting eruptions remains challenging. This latest quake has heightened awareness of the region’s vulnerability, prompting renewed discussions about infrastructure resilience and emergency preparedness. Authorities have begun inspecting buildings for structural integrity, declaring nine structures unsafe so far. Evacuation orders were issued for parts of Pozzuoli, with over 300 residents relocated temporarily. As of late Saturday, efforts continued to assess the full extent of the damage and ensure the safety of remaining residents.
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