A strong earthquake struck the Campi Flegrei area in Italy and was also strongly felt in Naples and the surrounding province. The seismic tremor occurred at 19:46. According to the first assessment of the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), the magnitude was 4.7, the strongest ever recorded in this area. Frightened, many residents took to the streets.
Meanwhile, seismic activity continues. At least nine more tremors have been recorded, with the one at 10:00 PM being particularly strong.
The worst damage was reported in Pozzuoli. Authorities said “this time the situation is serious.” A wall on the Cumana railway line collapsed onto the tracks, but fortunately no trains were involved. Metro and Circumflegrea rail service has been disrupted.
Collapses of pumice-rich rock slopes have also been recorded. A tragedy was narrowly avoided at the Savino Vitagliano underpass, as stones and rocks hit several vehicles. Pieces of plaster and building materials fell from many buildings in Pozzuoli. Some residents were unable to enter their homes due to blocked doors, while calls for help from people trapped inside their homes were also published on social media.
The Prefecture activated the Emergency Services Coordination Center. The Mayor of Pozzuoli, Luigi Manzoni, called on citizens to remain calm and follow only official communications. He announced that the Municipal Operations Center (COC) was immediately activated, in collaboration with the Vesuvian Observatory, the Civil Protection and other competent authorities, to monitor the development of the situation and provide assistance to the population.
According to the INGV, the earthquake is related to the phenomenon of bradyseism affecting the area, which is caused by the gradual rise of the land. The institute emphasizes that no earthquake of such a high magnitude had been recorded before in this context. Until now, the strongest tremors were recorded on March 12 and June 30, 2025, with magnitude 4.6.
From Rome, the Italian Prime Minister’s Office announced that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is constantly following developments and is in constant contact with the Minister for Civil Protection and Maritime Policies, Nello Musumeci, with the head of the Civil Protection Department, Fabio Ciciliano, with the Undersecretary of the Presidency of the Council, Alfredo Mantovano, as well as with the Prefect of Naples, Michele di Bari. She is also following the work of the Crisis Unit, convened to coordinate monitoring and interventions after the earthquake.
The President of the Campania Region, Roberto Fico, and the Civil Protection Advisor, Fiorella Zabatta, are monitoring the situation in coordination with the Prefecture, which immediately convened the Emergency Services Coordination Center (CCS), the mayors of the area and the National Civil Protection. Local authorities are carrying out verifications for possible damages, while the psychological support service for emergencies has also been activated.
The earthquake was also felt strongly in Naples, from the Vomero and Chiaia neighborhoods to the western part of the city, including Fuorigrotta, Soccavo and Colli Aminei. Power outages and lack of telephone signal were reported in some areas.
Residents described moments of panic. “It wasn’t ending,” “It was a great fear,” “I can’t go home right now,” were some of the testimonies collected on the streets.
“I felt the walls creak, I’ve never experienced such a strong earthquake,” said Andrea Maria from Casoria. “The chandeliers were shaking non-stop,” said Giovanna from Mugnano. “The buildings of the command center shook a lot,” said Simona, while Nunzia from Posillipo described the situation as “terrible.” From Quarto, it was reported that houses shook violently, electricity was cut off and various objects fell from the walls.
Among the main infrastructural damages reported was the partial collapse of a high-voltage pole in the Agnano area, important for the electricity supply of Naples. E-Distribuzione technicians intervened immediately and managed to restore supply to most customers through the secondary network.
However, localized problems continue to exist. In particular, power outages are still reported in the Fuorigrotta and Bagnoli neighborhoods, while emergency teams are working to restore full network operation as soon as possible.