A magnitude 4.2 earthquake shook the Phlegraean Fields area in the Naples province of Southern Italy early this morning. It stood out as the strongest tremor in recent weeks within this active volcanic zone, where seismic activity had been increasing. Despite public warnings that preceded the event, there was no damage reported.
The quake, which was the most intense among the nighttime shocks, registered at 03:35 local time (1:35 GMT). Its epicenter was about 3 kilometers deep, and the tremor was clearly felt across many parts of Naples and nearby towns. Neighbors in Pozzuoli and Bacoli, among others, reported a noticeable ground rattle. The event was recorded by the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, known as INGV.
Residents in Naples neighborhoods such as Fuorigrotta, Vomero, Chiaia, the Riviera area, and Capodimonte woke to the shaking and to the clamor of car alarms and shop bells as the tremor lasted several seconds. Civil Protection authorities confirmed that no damages were reported in the immediate aftermath.
Following the quake, railway services to and from Naples were halted briefly as part of safety checks, before resuming normal operations.
In the wake of the event, several regional mayors ordered local schools to close for the day to allow for thorough inspections. Pozzuoli announced similar precautionary measures.
Luigi Manzoni, the town’s mayor, noted on social media that authorities were actively monitoring the situation. He stated that he was in continuous contact with Civil Protection and INGV, and that school facilities would be checked before deciding whether to resume classes. The mayor added that the checks would take a few hours and that the safety of students and staff remained the priority.
Even though the region sits atop an ancient volcanic system in the Gulf of Pozzuoli, the population of roughly 500,000 people remained largely reassured by the authorities. Concerns persisted about aftershocks, but Civil Protection chief Fabrizio Curcio emphasized that the current situation did not indicate an imminent crisis. He acknowledged a notable level of seismic activity at the surface but reiterated that the overall risk remained low for the moment while keeping close watch on the evolving conditions. The public was advised to stay informed through official updates and to report any new damage or unusual symptoms promptly.
In the days ahead, scientists from INGV and regional civil protection agencies will continue to monitor ground movements, groundwater changes, and the behavior of local faults. The goal is to assess whether the region will experience more frequent tremors or a potential pattern in the aftershock sequence. Observers noted that even a relatively modest earthquake can trigger heightened precaution, especially in densely populated urban areas surrounding the volcanic complex. Nevertheless, the current findings suggest there is no immediate cause for alarm, provided residents heed official guidance and remain vigilant for any shifts in the activity levels.