A strong earthquake hit the Naples area early on Thursday. The 4.4-magnitude quake caused widespread panic. It left many people in fear about what comes next. The quake was followed by renewed fears about the Phlegraean Fields supervolcano beneath the region. Scientists are closely watching the rising volcanic activity.
The Earthquake’s Impact on Naples
In the early morning, a 4.4-magnitude earthquake hit Naples. The shaking was felt across the city and in nearby towns. Many people rushed out of their homes. Some even slept in their cars to stay safe. Buildings were damaged, and one woman was injured when a ceiling collapsed.
The epicenter of the quake was located about two kilometers below the Gulf of Pozzuoli, beneath the seabed. Unlike other earthquakes in Italy, this one was caused by the supervolcano beneath the region. It is not from tectonic plate shifts but from magma rising inside the volcano.
What is the Phlegraean Fields Supervolcano?
The Phlegraean Fields is a huge volcanic area located just west of Naples. It is one of the most dangerous volcanic systems in Europe. The supervolcano is about 12 to 15 kilometers in diameter. Scientists have been studying it for years because of its potential to cause disaster. In recent years, there has been growing concern as volcanic activity has increased.
Beneath the Phlegraean Fields, magma and gases have been moving toward the surface. This has caused the ground to rise. The ground has slowly been lifted by pressure building up beneath it. As the magma pushes upward, earthquakes are becoming more common.
Rising Ground Levels Raise Alarm
Scientists are worried because the ground has been rising at a faster rate. Geophysicist Giuseppe De Natale says the ground is lifting at a rate of three centimeters per month. Last year, the rise was only one to one and a half centimeters. In total, the ground has risen by more than two meters in some areas. This sudden increase in ground movement could signal a bigger issue beneath the surface.
The question of whether the supervolcano will erupt soon is still up for debate. Some experts believe the risk of eruption is still low. Others worry that the rising ground is a sign that an eruption could happen soon. History shows that the last eruption in 1538 came after a century of gradual ground uplift and earthquakes.
Could an Eruption Happen Soon?
The big concern now is whether an eruption is coming. An eruption from the Phlegraean Fields would be devastating. The area is home to about 500,000 people. This dense population makes evacuation difficult.
Scientists are concerned about the challenge of evacuating such a large number of people. Geologist Mario Tozzi says the Phlegraean Fields pose a bigger risk than Mount Vesuvius, which erupted in 79 AD. Tozzi believes that relocating residents over the long term is necessary to keep them safe. However, this presents a huge challenge: how do you move half a million people to safety?
Evacuation Plans and the 72-Hour Window
Authorities have plans in place in case of an eruption. These plans assume a 72-hour warning before an eruption could occur. But experts question if that is enough time to prepare. Many worry about the risk of panic and chaos if people are not properly prepared.
Geologist Mario Tozzi has raised concerns about how prepared people are. “Do the 500,000 residents truly know what they need to do in those 72 hours?” he asked. The risk of traffic gridlock and confusion could make evacuation harder.
Geophysicist Giuseppe De Natale agrees that partial evacuations may be needed. This would help get people out of the most dangerous areas first. Italy’s Civil Protection Chief, Fabio Ciciliano, also agrees that the situation is urgent. He warned that a strong earthquake could cause buildings to collapse, leading to deaths.
The Need for Immediate Action
As seismic activity grows stronger, scientists are urging authorities to take action. The rising ground and frequent earthquakes are signs of growing instability. While no one knows for sure when an eruption may occur, experts agree that the risk is rising. Immediate steps must be taken to protect the population.
The Phlegraean Fields are becoming more active, and people living in the region must be ready. Authorities are working to improve evacuation plans. But they will need to act quickly to ensure the safety of everyone in the area.