A magnitude 4.4 earthquake struck the Campi Flegrei area near Naples early in the morning, reigniting fears linked to the region’s ongoing bradyseismic activity.
The quake, recorded at 5:51 a.m. at a depth of three kilometers, was felt strongly across Naples and surrounding towns. Residents reported being awakened by shaking walls, rattling furniture and loud creaking noises.
The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology later confirmed that several additional tremors followed the main quake, indicating that a seismic swarm was still ongoing.
Initial damage was reported mainly in the town of Bacoli, where residents noted falling plaster from buildings and structural concerns inside some homes. Authorities are also inspecting cliffs overlooking the sea after reports of possible damage.
As a precaution, local officials ordered schools to close in Pozzuoli, Bacoli, Monte di Procida and Quarto. The measure was also extended to western districts of Naples, including Bagnoli and Fuorigrotta, located within the area considered most exposed to volcanic risk.