Residents of Naples, Italy experienced a second earthquake Thursday morning, a week after the area was first struck by a magnitude 4.0 earthquake. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported the second earthquake with a magnitude of 3.7, its epicenter approximately 5 kilometers from Naples.
The first earthquake last week caused significant damage in and around the city, requiring dozens of buildings to be damaged. Following Thursday’s seismic event, the Italian Civil Protection Agency issued a statement warning of a possible eruption of Mount Vesuvius, an active volcano located near the region.
Experts at the USGS concluded that the second earthquake was a “foreshock” of a potentially greater seismic event, investing the region of Naples with an even greater risk of a volcanic eruption. Italy has recently seen a marked increase in seismic activity in the area, with over 800 “weak shocks” detected since the beginning of this year.
The increased activity has alarmed local residents, with some fleeing the region and others stocking up on groceries and supplies in preparation for a potential eruption. In addition, local authorities have put a plan in place to evacuate about 65,000 people living in the potentially threatened areas, prompting the Civil Protection Agency to urge that people follow the instructions of the local government.
Though experts are uncertain as of yet, some suggest that the seismic activity may be caused by pressure from magma building up in the volcano. If the volcano were to erupt, it would have potentially devastating effects on the residents near Naples, both in terms of property damage and health risks.
At present, authorities are keeping a close watch on the seismic activity in the region, with police patrols and monitoring of the mountain occurring 24 hours a day. Scientists have been unable to predict whether or not an eruption will occur for certain, however, and thus are advocating for extreme caution.
That being said, the risk of eruption remains unpredictable, and citizens living around the region should remain vigilant in case of seismic activity. No matter the outcome, it is a reminder of the power of nature and the respect it commands.