Latest news with #VesuviusObservatory
Wales Online
30-06-2025
- Climate
- Wales Online
Travel disruption as earthquake hits central Italy
Travel disruption as earthquake hits central Italy It comes as the region is in the grip of a severe heatwave Damage caused by a 4.4 magnitude earthquake that struck Naples in March this year An earthquake said to be the strongest in the last 40 years hit central Italy on Monday afternoon. The 4.6 magnitude earthquake was reported at 12.47pm, centred in Bacoli in Naples. Mayor of nearby town Pozzuoli, Luigi Manzoni, said: "At the moment there are no reports of damage. The epicenter was in Bacoli but we are facing a situation to monitor hour after hour. Our volunteers are already out in town checking the situation closely." Several smaller earthquakes were reported shortly after the main event. Local media say trains, including the subway in Naples, were suspended. Mauro Antonio Di Vito, director of the Vesuvius Observatory of the INGV, said: "The event does not surprise us. Even after weeks of seismic silence, the rock can accumulate stress and then release energy. This is typical behaviour of the Phlegraean system. "We cannot predict earthquakes, but today there are no signs that indicate worst-case scenarios. It is essential to communicate correctly, without fueling panic or giving false reassurances." Article continues below Italy is currently in the grip of a severe heatwave. Lazio, Tuscany, Calabria, Puglia and Umbria were planning to ban some outdoor work activities during the hottest hours of the day in response to the record high temperatures. Italian trade unions pushed the government to expand such measures at a national level. On Sunday, the Italian health ministry placed 21 out of 27 monitored cities under its highest heat alert, including top holiday destinations like Rome, Milan and Naples. In Rome, tourists tried to seek shade near popular spots like the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain, using umbrellas and drinking from public water fountains to stay cool. Similar scenes were reported in Milan and Naples, where street vendors sold lemonade to tourists and residents to offer some refreshment from the heat.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Earthquake causes panic and damages homes in Naples
Panicked Naples residents spent the night on the streets after an earthquake injured several people and caused homes to partially collapse. The 4.4 magnitude quake, which struck at 1.25am and was followed by several smaller tremors, was the biggest to hit the Campi Flegrei (Phlegraean Fields) region, in southern Italy, for 10 months. While the area is known for occasional tremors, Thursday's strong, shallow quake jolted many from their beds. Photographs of the aftermath showed damaged buildings and rubble strewn across cars, as worried locals huddled in the streets. Nearly a dozen people were taken to hospital with minor injuries. One woman was hurt when her ceiling collapsed, while several others suffered cuts caused by shards of broken glass, according to Gaetano Manfredi, the mayor of Naples. In the Bagnoli neighbourhood, where most of the injuries were reported, dozens of residents flocked to the locked entrance of a sprawling former Nato base and demanded it be opened to shelter people. The crowd managed to force open a set of large metal gates before law enforcement officials stopped them and diffused tensions. The tremors were felt across Naples, with power supplies disrupted in some neighbourhoods. It was similar in magnitude to an earthquake last May, which was the strongest to be recorded in the region over the past four decades. Mr Manfredi said: 'It was a particularly intense quake, similar to one awhile back but with an epicentre closer to the city of Naples, so it was felt more in the city.' He said several schools had been forced to close, but added: 'The situation is under control.' Giorgia Meloni, the Italian prime minister, said she was monitoring the situation closely and was in constant contact with officials. Francesca Bianco, director of the Vesuvius Observatory, which monitors seismic activity and active volcanoes in the Campania region, said there was no evidence to suggest an 'imminent eruption' would take place. Volcanologists have been keeping a close eye on a recent uptick in seismic activity in the region's 'high-risk' zone, where around 500,000 people live. However, experts say a full-blown eruption in the near future remains unlikely. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
13-03-2025
- Climate
- Telegraph
Earthquake causes panic and damages homes in Naples
Panicked Naples residents spent the night on the streets after an earthquake injured several people and caused homes to partially collapse. The 4.4 magnitude quake, which struck at 1.25am and was followed by several smaller tremors, was the biggest to hit the Campi Flegrei (Phlegraean Fields) region, in southern Italy, for 10 months. While the area is known for occasional tremors, Thursday's strong, shallow quake jolted many from their beds. Photographs of the aftermath showed damaged buildings and rubble strewn across cars, as worried locals huddled in the streets. Nearly a dozen people were taken to hospital with minor injuries. One woman was hurt when her ceiling collapsed, while several others suffered cuts caused by shards of broken glass, according to Gaetano Manfredi, the mayor of Naples. In the Bagnoli neighbourhood, where most of the injuries were reported, dozens of residents flocked to the locked entrance of a sprawling former Nato base and demanded it be opened to shelter people. The crowd managed to force open a set of large metal gates before law enforcement officials stopped them and diffused tensions. The tremors were felt across Naples, with power supplies disrupted in some neighbourhoods. It was similar in magnitude to an earthquake last May, which was the strongest to be recorded in the region over the past four decades. Mr Manfredi said: 'It was a particularly intense quake, similar to one awhile back but with an epicentre closer to the city of Naples, so it was felt more in the city.' He said several schools had been forced to close, but added: 'The situation is under control.' Giorgia Meloni, the Italian prime minister, said she was monitoring the situation closely and was in constant contact with officials. Francesca Bianco, director of the Vesuvius Observatory, which monitors seismic activity and active volcanoes in the Campania region, said there was no evidence to suggest an 'imminent eruption' would take place. Volcanologists have been keeping a close eye on a recent uptick in seismic activity in the region's 'high-risk' zone, where around 500,000 people live. However, experts say a full-blown eruption in the near future remains unlikely.
