Rising Volcanic Activity Causes Concern Amid 4.2 Magnitude Earthquake in Italy’s Lesser-Known Campi Flegrei

In the pre-dawn hours of Wednesday, a 4.2 magnitude earthquake rattled the inhabitants of Campi Flegrei, a volcanic area situated west of Naples. Although no injuries or damages were reported, the quake has sparked concern among local residents. According to Italy’s Civil Protection Agency, this seismic event could signify an uptick in the volcanic activity in the region.

The Earth shook near Naples: A 4.2 magnitude earthquake shakes Italy-Image Source: Political Lore

The Volcanic Mystery

Unlike its more famous neighbor, Mount Vesuvius, Campi Flegrei is a flat, sprawling volcanic complex, a sleeping giant that has increasingly grown restless in recent times. The earthquake occurred at 3:35 a.m. local time (1:35 GMT) and originated at a shallow depth of approximately 3 kilometers. The tremors were felt throughout various parts of Naples.

Terremoto Campi Flegrei, scossa di magnitudo 4.2 avvertita anche a Napoli. L’Ingv: la più forte degli ultimi 40 anni https://t.co/roVqQgrIE3

— Alessandro Pergolis (@APergolis) September 27, 2023

Words from the Authorities

Giosi Gerardo Della Ragione, the mayor of the coastal town of Bacoli located on the outskirts of Naples, termed the earthquake as “one of the strongest and longest-lasting” in a series of recent seismic activities. In a social media message to the locals, Della Ragione urged, “We must learn to adapt to this phase. Remain calm.”

Living on the Edge

Campi Flegrei, home to half a million residents, last erupted in 1538. Its ancient eruptions are believed to have played a role in the extinction of the Neanderthal species around 30,000 years ago. While a prior report by Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology suggested that the rising volcanic activity may be due to gas boiling rather than magma movement, it also stated that the “probability of an eruption remains relatively low.”

The earthquake in Italy’s Campi Flegrei raises questions about our understanding of lesser-known but equally menacing volcanic systems. As Italy navigates these uncertain seismic waters, the world watches with bated breath, ever conscious of the tumultuous history of volcanic eruptions and their catastrophic impacts.