In recent weeks, a series of small tremors has sent shockwaves through the volcanic heartland west of Naples, Italy, ABC News reported. The most recent earthquake in Italy has prompted swift government action to revise mass evacuation plans, but is there a genuine threat of a volcanic eruption?
What’s causing these tremors in Naples?
How imminent is the risk of a volcanic eruption?
Could history repeat itself with another Vesuvius catastrophe?
Let’s delve into the details.
Hundreds of small tremors have rattled the densely populated volcanic area west of Naples. The latest incident was a 4.0-magnitude earthquake in the region of Campi Flegrei (Phlegraean Fields), which is home to Europe’s largest caldera—an ancient volcanic crater. In Italy earthquake like this is not common and the last volcanic eruption of this caldera was in 1538, posing a significant risk to its current half-million inhabitants.
Volcano erupting – is it a possibility?
The tremors have raised concerns about the potential for a volcanic eruption, though experts assert that such an event is not imminent. Nevertheless, the government is taking precautionary steps to protect its citizens, leading to debates about the cost and complexity of mass evacuations.
The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) plays a crucial role in monitoring and assessing seismic activity in the region. Local authorities, including Naples city council, are responsible for implementing safety measures and evacuation plans.
The recent surge in tremors has been ongoing for months, with over 3,000 recorded since the start of 2023. Notably, a 4.2-magnitude earthquake—a 40-year record—struck the area just last week.
The tremors have primarily affected the Campi Flegrei area, which extends from the outskirts of Naples to the Tyrrhenian Sea. Approximately one-third of the region is submerged beneath the Bay of Pozzuoli, while the rest is home to around 400,000 residents.
Tremors in Naples caused by “bradyseism”
Unlike huge earthquakes that are caused by the tectonic plate movements, these tremors are part of a long-standing phenomenon known as “bradyseism.” It involves a cyclical process of the ground rising and falling, which has persisted for thousands of years. While unsettling, it does not necessarily signal an impending volcanic eruption.
The recent tremors have ignited fresh worries about the logistics and psychological challenges of evacuating thousands in case of an emergency. Balancing preparedness with public cooperation remains a complex issue, as history reveals instances where residents chose to stay and face disaster rather than evacuate.
As a major earthquake in Italy is unlikely and the risk of a volcanic eruption remains uncertain, the safety and well-being of its inhabitants are paramount. The government’s accelerated efforts to revise evacuation plans reflect a commitment to safeguarding the region against potential disaster.
