Angela Stefani
Campi Flegrei— A magnitude 4.7 earthquake struck the volcanic Campi Flegrei area in Southern Italy on early Tuesday, triggering mass panic and spontaneous evacuation of residents into the streets. This incident is recorded as the strongest to hit the area in recent decades, causing sporadic power outages and lightly injuring at least four people.
The strong tremors were widely felt, from Pozzuoli, the epicenter, to the regional capital of Naples. Hundreds of families rushed out of their homes, choosing to spend the rest of the night in private vehicles or open spaces for safety. A tense atmosphere prevailed, marked by the cries of children and the wailing sirens of ambulances.
Data from local authorities indicated several areas experienced significant power supply disruptions. Repair efforts were immediately undertaken by technical teams, but some residents still faced darkness for several hours after the main quake. Electrical infrastructure is one of the sectors most vulnerable to seismic shocks.
Four residents were reported to have sustained minor injuries, mostly due to impacts while attempting to escape or falling. Medical personnel promptly provided treatment on site. Fortunately, there were no reports of fatalities or serious injuries requiring extensive hospitalization, although psychological trauma may persist.
Campi Flegrei is no stranger to seismic activity. The area is known as an active supervolcanic caldera, with bradyseism—the rising and falling of ground level—frequently triggering a series of small earthquakes. This magnitude 4.7 event serves as a serious reminder of the deep geological potential beneath the residents’ feet.
Seismologists and geological experts noted that the intensity of this earthquake far exceeded the average activity typically observed. The last time Campi Flegrei experienced a similar tremor was in the 1980s, when a series of smaller but prolonged earthquakes prompted large-scale evacuations and international attention.
Professor Giulio De Santis, a volcanologist from Federico II University of Naples, stated, "Although this earthquake is significant, currently there is no direct indication that it will trigger a volcanic eruption. However, we must remain vigilant and monitor any changes in ground deformation and gas activity very closely." Monitoring teams have increased their surveillance intensity.
Local government, in cooperation with the National Civil Protection Department, immediately activated emergency protocols. The Mayor of Pozzuoli, in a morning statement, called for calm and ensured all essential services were operating at maximum capacity. Temporary shelters were also prepared as a precautionary measure.
The public’s unrest was not limited to the night of the event. Concerns about their future and the safety of their homes under the threat of an active volcano resurfaced. Many questioned the effectiveness of mitigation plans and infrastructure readiness to face the worst-case scenario, even though it has not yet occurred.
This event also reminded the Italian public of the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters. Past tragedies, such as the recent loss of six residents in Messina due to vital building collapses, serve as a bitter reminder of the need for preparedness. Further information on that incident can be read in the article Messina Berduka: Enam Warga Hilang Terjebak Reruntuhan Bangunan Vital.
Nevertheless, experts continue to strive to provide transparent and accurate information. They emphasize that the monitoring system in Campi Flegrei is one of the most sophisticated in the world, capable of detecting even the smallest anomalies. Public education on emergency actions is also continuously promoted.
This 4.7 magnitude earthquake is expected to serve as a catalyst for a comprehensive evaluation of early warning systems and contingency plans in densely populated areas like Campi Flegrei. The primary priority remains the safety of lives and long-term risk mitigation efforts.
