An earthquake of magnitude 3.1 was recorded at 03:22 on 18 February in the Campi Flegrei area, in the province of Naples. A seismic swarm started in the area on Saturday (15 February).
According to data from the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), the quake had a hypocentre at a depth of just 2 km and an epicentre 5 km from Pozzuoli. So far, four tremors of magnitude 2 or greater have been recorded in the area overnight.
On 16 February, a magnitude 3.9 earthquake was reported. The head of the National Civil Protection, Fabio Ciciliano, is set to visit Monteruscello, a district of Pozzuoli, this afternoon for an information meeting with local residents.
17 February: Seismic Activity Intensifies
Concerns have risen sharply in Campi Flegrei, with Mauro Di Vito, director of the Vesuvian Observatory, confirming a significant increase in seismic activity. “We have recorded 230 earthquakes since Saturday evening,” he stated. “This suggests a notable accumulation of stress, particularly as we had previously experienced a period of total seismic inactivity.”
The tremors prompted hundreds of residents to take to the streets, with schools closing due to the ongoing seismic activity. Two earthquakes of magnitude 3.9 were also felt in Naples and surrounding areas, particularly in Pozzuoli, Bacoli, and Quarto. Di Vito emphasised that this activity is continuing alongside ongoing ground uplift, which has never ceased.
The mayors of Pozzuoli, Luigi Manzoni, and Bacoli, Josi Della Ragione, are preparing to meet Ciciliano, who will arrive in Monteruscello today (18 February) at 18:30 for a public information meeting. Also attending will be the prefect of Naples, Michele de Bari, as well as representatives from INGV and the Vesuvian Observatory.
Emergency Accommodation and Safety Measures
As the tremors persist, authorities have arranged emergency accommodation for those unwilling to stay in their homes. In Pozzuoli, the Palatrincone sports hall was opened overnight, hosting nine families,19 people in total. By morning, four remained, while 31 more had booked to stay the following night. In Bacoli, Mayor Della Ragione announced that beds were set up in the Gramsci school gymnasium to provide a safe space for residents. “We are facing one of the most intense and prolonged seismic swarms in 40 years,” he stated.
Monitoring continues under the coordination of the Naples Prefecture. The Civil Protection Operations Room remains in constant contact with Ciciliano, INGV’s Di Vito, Campania’s regional civil protection director Italo Giulivo, the regional school office director Ettore Acerra, police forces, the Port Authority, local health authorities, emergency services, Enel, the Red Cross, and local municipalities.
Last year, the government created a Special Commissioner for the Campi Flegrei area. This after a similar swarm of earthquakes.
At 00:19 on 17 February, a magnitude 3.9 earthquake struck the Pisciarelli area. Although it caused no reported damage, it was strongly felt and heightened public anxiety. The municipality of Bacoli reported no critical issues but confirmed that Pozzuoli had opened the Palatrincone sports hall. Additionally, around 500 people spent the night in designated parking areas, where basic supplies such as thermal blankets were distributed. Many Naples residents near Pisciarelli chose to sleep in their cars outside the former NATO Base in Bagnoli and the Agnano Hippodrome.
Continuous Seismic Swarm
According to INGV, the seismic activity remains ongoing, with approximately 180 tremors recorded. The strongest, a magnitude 3.9 at midnight, was followed by a magnitude 3.2 at 08:12 on 18 February. This prolonged swarm has left residents anxious.
“After feeling the tremors in the afternoon, we returned home for the evening, but when the seismic swarm resumed at night, we all left again to sleep in our cars,” said a resident of Pozzuoli. Another added, “There were hundreds of us sleeping in our cars last night—we just couldn’t stay at home.”
A mother expressed concern for her children: “They know all about earthquakes and what to do when one happens, but that doesn’t remove the fear. In school, they have even written essays on the subject, but knowledge alone isn’t enough to ease their anxiety.”
Structural Inspections Underway
Following the seismic events of 16 February, urgent structural inspections have been ordered for residential buildings in the affected areas. Specialised technical teams are already conducting internal and external evaluations to assess the safety of homes.
The Campania Residential Building Agency (Acer) emphasised its commitment to providing rapid and effective interventions. A spokesperson stated, “Our priority is to ensure the safety of residents and to offer clear, timely assessments of the situation.”
Reports from these inspections will help determine whether additional protective measures are needed. Meanwhile, the Port Authority is monitoring the coastal zone, which has been affected by landslides in the past.
