Italy: Earthquake strikes near Naples, prompting panic, school closures

A magnitude 4.4 earthquake struck southern Italy on Thursday morning (May 21), shaking the Naples area and causing residents to rush into the streets as tremors woke households across the city and surrounding towns.

Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology reported that the quake occurred at 5:51 am local time, with its epicentre located in the Campi Flegrei — a highly active volcanic caldera extending from the western outskirts of Naples towards the Mediterranean Sea.

The strongest shaking was felt in coastal suburbs, including Pozzuoli and Bacoli, with residents reporting brief but sharp tremors across the wider metropolitan area. The quake was also felt in districts near Mount Vesuvius.

Authorities confirmed there were no immediate reports of serious damage or injuries. However, the tremor triggered precautionary measures, including the closure of several schools across the region, which is home to around three million people.

The Campi Flegrei area has seen increased seismic activity in recent years, including a stronger 4.6 magnitude earthquake recorded last year, raising ongoing concern among seismologists about unrest in the volcanic zone.

By Aghakazim Guliyev