Naples, Italy – March 2025 – Many residents of Naples and surrounding areas spent the night outdoors after a strong earthquake struck, causing widespread panic, structural damage, and power outages. The 4.4 magnitude tremor hit early Thursday morning, with people leaving their homes and gathering in the streets to avoid potential aftershocks.
The earthquake struck at 01:25 local time on Thursday (00:25 GMT) at a shallow depth of just 3 kilometers (2 miles), according to Italian seismologists. Meanwhile, the US Geological Survey measured the tremor as a 4.2 magnitude event, occurring at a depth of 10 kilometers.
In addition to the tremor, power outages were reported in parts of Naples, affecting many residents and businesses in the area.
The earthquake's epicenter was located near the town of Pozzuoli, just outside Naples. Emergency responders successfully rescued one person who had been injured and trapped under the rubble of a partially collapsed house.
Later photos from the scene revealed damaged homes and a car with a smashed windshield, indicating the earthquake's significant physical impact on the area.
Naples lies on the Phlegraean Fields, a volcanic basin in southern Italy, which makes the region prone to both volcanic activity and frequent earthquakes. This geographical setting explains why the area is susceptible to such tremors, as seen with this latest earthquake.
Thursday's earthquake was felt not only in Naples but across several parts of the Campania region, according to reports from Italian media. The tremor was followed by at least two weaker aftershocks, keeping residents on edge and heightening concerns of further seismic activity.
As the tremor struck, many people in Naples left their homes and gathered in the streets or parked their cars in open areas, fearing more aftershocks. Many spent the night outdoors as they awaited safety assessments and further instructions from authorities.
A rescue coordination center has been set up to monitor the situation, assess damage, and provide support to those affected by the earthquake. This includes mobilizing rescue teams and ensuring that urgent needs, such as medical attention, are met quickly.
In Pozzuoli and two nearby neighborhoods, schools will be closed on Thursday to allow time for building stability checks to ensure that structures are safe for use. These precautionary measures are aimed at preventing further injuries or damage.
As of now, the city remains on high alert, with authorities closely monitoring aftershocks and the ongoing recovery efforts. The residents of Naples, already familiar with the region's seismic risks, are left uncertain about the stability of their homes and buildings.
