Shocking Revelation: Naples Hit by Yet Another Earthquake - Updates on the Utter Devastation
Another earthquake hits southern Naples, Italy, with a magnitude of 40, following the region's strongest quake in 40 years Reported by Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology
Get the latest in science news and discoveries by joining CNNs Wonder Theory science newsletter. Dive into the depths of the universe with updates on captivating findings and remarkable scientific advancements. Following the strongest earthquake in 40 years, the volcanic area near Naples, Italy, was hit by a magnitude 4.0 earthquake on Tuesday, as reported by Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV).
The fire brigade in Italy reported minimal structural damage caused by the recent earthquake, ensuring no injuries were reported. The seismic activity, measuring 4.2 on the Richter scale, occurred on September 27 and its effects were felt as distant as Rome.
Campi Flegrei, alternatively referred to as the Phlegraean fields, is a volcanic region housing several ancient volcanoes that originate from approximately 39,000 years ago.
Seismic activity in the region, encompassing a stretch of 200 kilometers (125 miles) beneath the Bay of Naples, as well as the islands of Ischia and Capri, has shown increased intensity this year, preceded by several small tremors leading up to the most recent two. The geographic area also experiences a fascinating seismic phenomenon called bradyseism, which is characterized by cycles of uplift and gradual lowering of the ground.
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In 1538, Campi Flegrei experienced its most recent significant eruption, resulting in the formation of a new mountain in the bay. As of August 2023, Campi Flegrei has recorded a total of 2,868 earthquakes, with 1,118 occurring in the month of August alone. On September 28, Carlo Doglioni, the head of INVG, provided testimony regarding the potential consequences before the Environmental Commissions lower chamber of the Italian government.
"We are currently monitoring two potential scenarios regarding the development of the situation in the Campi Flegrei. The most preferable outcome would be a resolution similar to what occurred in 1983-84, where the ongoing bradyseism crisis comes to an end. On the other hand, the worst-case scenario could involve an eruption reminiscent of the event in 1538. At the moment, this is an unknown evolution that we are closely observing."
In the period between 1983 and 1984, there was a bradyseism episode during which the ground experienced an elevation of 3.5 meters (11.5 feet). To assess the susceptibility of the underlying structures to potential damage caused by the rising soil, the INGV has urged the municipality of Naples to evacuate certain residents residing in close proximity to the volcanic area. It is important to note that a majority of these structures were constructed within the last two decades.
Italy's civil protection agency has approximated that a minimum of 800,000 individuals reside in the designated area known as the "yellow zone," while 500,000 individuals live in the highest-risk region labeled as the "red zone," which is situated near the seismic area.
Although an evacuation plan was last put to the test in 2019, residents of the area have requested an up-to-date plan that clearly delineates the necessary actions to be taken in the event of an eruption.
