A 4.4-magnitude earthquake hit Naples, Italy causing minor damage and sending 11 people to the hospital with contusions. The quake, the strongest in the recorded history of the Phlegrean Fields area, shook residents awake and led to some buildings being declared off-limits due to damage. Seismologists have observed an increase in activity in the area in recent weeks, prompting authorities to conduct drills in preparation for a major emergency. The Phlegrean Fields, a seismically and volcanically active area, has seen the surface pushed up 1.3 meters since 2006. At least 500,000 people live in the most at-risk zone near the volcano. Italy’s national institute for geophysics and vulcanology has called for a plan to ensure buildings can withstand a quake of at least a magnitude 5.0. During a similar event in 1984, 40,000 residents were evacuated due to seismic activity but an eruption did not occur. The mayor of Naples is closely monitoring the situation, with inspectors checking buildings for further damage following the earthquake. Residents are urged to be prepared for potential future seismic events in the area.
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