A magnitude 4.7 [1] earthquake struck the Campi Flegrei volcanic area near Naples, Italy, on July 31, 2024 [2].
The event occurred within an active volcanic caldera, raising concerns about the stability of the region and the safety of surrounding urban centers. Because the quake was shallow, the impact on local infrastructure was immediate and significant.
Emergency services said that four people were injured [3]. The shaking caused power outages and disrupted both train and metro services across the region. Some buildings sustained damage, and reports indicated that cars were crushed in the aftermath of the tremor.
The quake particularly affected Pozzuoli and its surrounding neighborhoods. This area sits atop the Phlegraean Fields, a highly active volcanic zone known for tectonic instability. Local authorities worked to restore power and transport links as residents evacuated damaged structures.
Seismologists said the quake was due to tectonic activity within the active Campi Flegrei caldera [4]. This activity is a recurring characteristic of the region's geology, though the intensity of this specific event marked it as one of the strongest in recent years.
“A magnitude 4.7 earthquake struck the Campi Flegrei volcanic area near Naples”
The occurrence of a magnitude 4.7 earthquake in the Campi Flegrei region highlights the persistent geological risk posed by the Phlegraean Fields. As a shallow-depth event, the quake demonstrates how even moderate seismic activity in volcanic calderas can cause disproportionate damage to urban infrastructure and public transport in densely populated areas like Naples and Pozzuoli.
