An earthquake has rocked Italy causing landslide, travel disruptions and power outages. The earthquake which hit the area is reportedly the strongest one in the last 40 years
Italy has been hit by an earthquake
An earthquake has reportedly hit Italy, as footage shared online shows chaos rattling the country.
The 4.7 earthquake hit the town of Pozzuoli which sit on the Campi Flegrei volcanic area. Several buildings have been damaged by the tremors as numerous power outages and local public transport disruptions have been reported. Shocking videos have been shared on social media as landslides have also been reported in the country.
Pozzuoli mayor, Luigi Manzoni, stated: “I understand the concern and apprehension that can arise in these moments, especially among families. We immediately activated the Municipal Operations Center (COC) to coordinate all monitoring and assistance activities for the population.
Pozzuoli mayor, Luigi Manzoni, has issued a statement
“We are in constant contact with the Vesuvius Observatory, the Civil Protection Department, and all the competent authorities to follow the evolution of the ongoing seismic swarm minute by minute.”
Local rail and metro services were suspended as a precaution in the town of Naples due to the earthquake.
According to Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology the earthquake was recorded at 7:46 pm. The epicentre of the quake was recorded at the Campi Flegrei area to the west of Naples at a depth of about 3 km (2 miles).
Power outages have been reported
The Italian fire service has stated there were reports of minor damage to buildings in and around Naples. The service added crews had not received any immediate requests to help or rescue residents. The earthquake which hit the area is reportedly the strongest one in the last 40 years.
The deadliest quake to hit the area in recent decades was a magnitude 6.9 earthquake that hit southern Italy in November 1980. The 1980 earthquake claimed the lives of around 2,700 people and devastating hundreds of towns.
Recent reports stated at least four people have been injured by the quake. Footage online have revealed the tremor has left the streets on Naples covered in dust and debris from damaged buildings.
Numerous other earthquakes have been recorded. However their magnitude appeared to be considerable smaller than the 4.7 one that hit the area earlier.
Local officials urged residents to remain calm and follow official instructions.
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