Residents in Naples, Italy, were abruptly awakened by a significant 4.4 magnitude earthquake early Thursday morning, marking the strongest seismic activity in the region for four decades. The tremor, occurring around 1.25am, caused minor structural damage and prompted 11 individuals to seek medical attention. Buildings, including a church and a seven-story residential complex, were declared unsafe due to damage, and certain schools were closed as a precautionary measure. City officials, such as Naples Mayor Gaetano Manfredi, were actively engaged in assessing the damage and ensuring public safety. Despite some power outages, the community’s resilience was evident as people sought refuge in vehicles or at former military bases. The earthquake’s epicenter was located near Pozzuoli, with minor aftershocks reported in the following days. Previously, the area experienced a similar quake of equal intensity last May, but the current event represents the most significant seismic activity in Naples since the 1980s. The region, known for its seismic and volcanic activity due to its location on the Phlegraean Fields, has seen increased seismic drills and precautions taken by authorities in response to the recent uptick in earthquake frequency.

Source: https://news.sky.com/story/naples-residents-shaken-awake-by-strongest-earthquake-in-40-years-13327741