Naples tremor sparks panic: Authorities close schools, plan evacuations
9:07 AM EDT, May 21, 2024
On Monday evening, the area around Naples experienced a series of tectonic tremors. According to the Italian Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, the strongest tremor reached a magnitude of 4.4. “Stay calm,” city authorities urged concerned residents.
The epicenter of these tremors was located in the volcanic area of the Phlegraean Fields, near Pozzuoli, just a few miles southwest of downtown Naples. This was the most intense earthquake in this region in the last four decades. There are currently no reports of casualties.
Panic erupted in many places due to the increased seismic activity residents have been experiencing since last year. Items fell off store shelves, and buildings were damaged slightly. Hundreds of residents left their homes and took to the streets. Fearing further tremors, many decided to spend the night in their cars or camp out in the open air.
In cooperation with Civil Protection, local authorities organized temporary accommodations for Campania residents who are afraid to return home.
“We must live in fear all the time,” said a resident of Pozzuoli in an interview with Rainews television. “How long will the buildings withstand all these tremors?”
Authorities close schools, prepare evacuation plans
The Mayor of Pozzuoli, Gigi Manzoni, appealed to residents to stay calm. He also informed the public about the formation of expert teams to check the technical condition of buildings and the decision to close schools. Mass evacuation plans from these areas are also being developed. “Stay calm,” city authorities reiterated to concerned residents.
The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) declared that it would continue to monitor the situation in the Campania region. “It cannot be ruled out that other seismic events of similar energy may occur,” experts stated.
