Italy's Campi Flegrei Super Volcano Shaken by Strongest Earthquake in Decades

A 4.4 magnitude earthquake hit Italy's Campi Flegrei super volcano on Monday evening. It caused mild damage in the town of Pozzuoli, the epicenter, and even reached as far as Naples, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) away, according to Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV).

Italy's Fire Brigade spokesman confirmed reports of cracks in walls and falling cornices due to the earthquake in Pozzuoli.

According to data from INGV, the recent 4.4 earthquake that occurred at a depth of 3 kilometers is the strongest quake to hit the highly seismic area in the last 40 years. This quake is part of a series of tremors known as a "seismic storm," with over a dozen events over 2.0 magnitude recorded in the past 48 hours.

The 4.4 tremor struck at 8:10 p.m. local time, following a 3.5 earthquake that occurred an hour earlier.

The Campi Flegrei area experienced 1,252 earthquakes in April 2024, with most having a magnitude less than 1.0.

The last significant eruption of the supervolcano occurred in 1538, leading to the formation of a new bay on the southern Italian coast. The INGV has observed a rise in seismic activity since 2022, which experts believe could be attributed to the accumulation of magma beneath the surface or the accumulation of gases, as suggested by various volcanologists.

The Campi Flegrei volcano is located about 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Mt. Vesuvius. It is known for experiencing bradyseism, a phenomenon where the ground moves up and down due to pressure beneath the surface. The last major cycle of bradyseism occurred in 1984, but according to several volcanologists interviewed by CNN, the area is currently going through a new cycle of this phenomenon.

According to the Italian Civil Protection agency, more than 500,000 people reside in the red zone directly next to Campi Flegrei. This year, the agency has been focusing on updating evacuation plans in case of a major disaster.

Editor's P/S:

The recent earthquake swarm at Campi Flegrei, Italy, is a stark reminder of the potential risks posed by this restless supervolcano. The 4.4 magnitude event, the strongest in 40 years, has caused concern among scientists and residents alike. The ongoing seismic activity, characterized as a "seismic storm," underscores the need for continued monitoring and preparedness.

The Campi Flegrei's history of significant eruptions, including the devastating event in 1538, highlights the importance of understanding its current state. The observed rise in seismic activity since 2022 suggests that the volcano may be entering a new phase of unrest. While the exact cause of the increased activity remains uncertain, experts speculate that it could be related to magma accumulation or gas release. The ongoing bradyseism, a process of ground deformation, further adds to the complexity of the situation. As the area remains densely populated, with over 500,000 people living in the red zone, it is crucial for authorities to prioritize evacuation planning and public education to ensure the safety of residents in the event of a potential eruption.