Two strong earthquake tremors were felt today, Monday, May 13, in the Naples area. The first, at 12:07 p.m., reached magnitude 4.4, followed by a second tremor at 12:22 p.m. of magnitude 3.5. According to the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), both quakes are part of an earthquake swarm with 35 events recorded in a few hours, including one of 3.3 magnitude. The epicenter was located in the Phlegraean Fields area, at a depth of about 2.7 kilometers. The main quake occurred at sea, near the coast west of the Terra district. In many municipalities in the Phlegraean area, particularly in Pozzuoli, the population took to the streets in fear. The earthquake was also felt distinctly in the Neapolitan capital. As a precautionary measure, numerous educational institutions in Naples and neighboring towns suspended classes, bringing forward the exit of students. Also evacuated was the headquarters of the Faculty of Engineering of the Federico II University in the Fuorigrotta neighborhood. There is currently no damage to people or buildings. INGV reported that ground uplift in the Phlegraean Fields area continues at a rate of about 1.5 centimeters in recent weeks, with no significant change in the speed of the phenomenon. The data will be further analyzed in the coming hours.
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