A magnitude-4.7 earthquake hit near Naples at about 7:46 pm (1746 GMT), with the epicentre in the Phlegraean Fields supervolcano, Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology said.
No major injuries were reported, though authorities logged power outages, people trapped in lifts and a collapsed façade in Pozzuoli.
Officials said it was the strongest tremor since bradyseism activity increased; scientists continue to monitor the area closely.
A magnitude-4.7 earthquake struck near Naples on Friday evening, the Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology said, placing the epicentre in the Phlegraean Fields — a large volcanic caldera and Europe’s largest active supervolcano. The tremor was recorded at about 7:46 pm (1746 GMT) and was felt strongly across the Phlegraean Fields, in Naples and on the islands of Ischia and Procida.
There were no immediate reports of major injuries. Local fire services and emergency teams received multiple reports of power outages and people trapped in lifts. The emergency coordination centre reported the collapse of a building façade in Pozzuoli and fallen cornices and plaster in other locations; officials said no injuries have been linked to these incidents so far.
Authorities and scientists noted this was the strongest tremor in the area since bradyseism — the slow rising and sinking of the ground caused by subsurface volcanic activity — began to increase again. The Phlegraean Fields have experienced numerous small and occasional stronger earthquakes in recent years.
About the Phlegraean Fields: The site is a high-risk volcanic area because of its large magma system. While the term "supervolcano" denotes the potential for very large eruptions, there is no indication from this event alone of an imminent major eruption. Monitoring by volcanologists and local authorities continues.
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