Magnitude 4.0 Earthquake Hits Naples Phlegraean Fields Region

A magnitude 4.0 earthquake struck near Naples, Italy, at around 9:14 a.m., with the epicenter located in the Phlegraean Fields, a volcanic caldera west of the city. The tremor was strongly felt across Naples and surrounding areas, causing residents to flee into the streets and prompting rail traffic interruptions as a precaution. The Phlegraean Fields, part of the Campi Flegrei supervolcano, have experienced increased seismic activity recently, including a 4.6 magnitude quake at the end of June. Italian authorities have introduced new safety measures and evacuation plans for the densely populated region, home to around three million people, although public participation in disaster drills has been low. The earthquake's shallow depth, estimated between 1.5 and 2.5 kilometers, and proximity to the active volcanic zone continue to raise concerns about potential volcanic hazards. Ongoing monitoring efforts by the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology emphasize the need for vigilance amid the heightened seismic activity.