A new seismic swarm has affected the Naples area since Wednesday morning. The caldera of the Campi Flegrei supervolcano spans approximately 200 square kilometers. More than 300,000 people reside in the Flegrean Fields zone.
On Wednesday morning, tremors of magnitude 3.1 were felt at a depth of 2.7 kilometers. The earthquake was recorded at 8:52 AM, preceded by a tremor of magnitude 2.6 at 8:32 AM. These two significant earthquakes are part of a swarm that began at 8:11 AM with a tremor of magnitude 1.1 and has since been accompanied by numerous aftershocks.
As a precaution, classes at several educational institutions in Naples have been suspended.
The tremors were felt in nearby municipalities as well as in various neighborhoods of Naples, particularly on the upper floors of buildings.
A school in the Naples district of Bagnoli has been closed, and classes have also been suspended in six schools in the port suburb of Pozzuoli.
Students from the Madonna Assunta primary school, located in an area bordering Pozzuoli, spent the morning in a large green park between the school and the sea.
"We felt the first tremor and put our heads under the desk. Then our teachers told us what to do. We went outside. And then there was a second, stronger tremor. We were scared," said an eight-year-old student from the Madonna Assunta school, as recounted by her mother.
As a precautionary measure, it has been decided to close the Campi Flegrei archaeological park until necessary inspections are completed.
The situation is being closely monitored by the operational department of the civil protection prefecture, which is in constant contact with all relevant organizations.
The Campi Flegrei area, also known as the Flegrean Fields, is currently experiencing bradyseism, or ground uplift, and has undergone a series of earthquakes over the past year.
According to ANSA, the Minister of Civil Protection Nello Musumeci has appointed a special commissioner for the Campi Flegrei area to take measures to mitigate risks.