In the early hours of Thursday, the city of Naples and nearby areas in southern Italy experienced a powerful earthquake that forced residents to abandon their homes and seek safety outdoors.
Many spent the night in cars and on the streets, fearing additional tremors.
The quake, with a magnitude of 4.4, struck at 1:25 AM local time at a shallow depth of three kilometers, according to Italian seismologists. However, the US Geological Survey recorded a slightly lower magnitude of 4.2 at a depth of 10 kilometers. The tremor caused noticeable damage, including a partially collapsed house in the nearby town of Pozzuoli, where one person was rescued from the rubble.
The earthquake disrupted power in some areas of Naples and triggered at least two weaker aftershocks. Residents reported feeling the tremor in various parts of the Campania region. Images from the scene showed a damaged house and a car with a shattered windshield.
Authorities quickly established a rescue coordination center to assess the damage and respond to emergencies. Schools in Pozzuoli and two nearby neighborhoods were closed for the day to allow experts to inspect buildings for structural stability.
Naples is located on the Phlegraean Fields, a massive volcanic basin known for its seismic activity. This geological feature makes the region highly vulnerable to earthquakes and volcanic activity. The recent tremor reignited fears of potential future disasters, prompting many residents to remain cautious and stay away from their homes.
While officials continue to evaluate the damage and monitor for further aftershocks, the people of Naples remain on edge, hoping the worst is over.