The strongest earthquake in Italy in the past 40 years has occurred in the Phlegraean Fields area near Naples. The 4.7-magnitude tremor caused significant damage, injuries, and the evacuation of residents, inbusiness.kz reports, citing Euronews.

According to Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), the earthquake occurred on Friday at 19:49. The epicenter was located between the towns of Pozzuoli and Quarto at a depth of approximately three kilometers. Following the main tremor, experts recorded a seismic swarm, with at least 17 aftershocks of magnitude above 2.0.

The tremors were felt not only in the Campi Flegrei area, but also in Naples, as well as on the island of Ischia and the Sorrento Peninsula.

More than 20 people were injured as a result of the disaster, with two in serious condition. The most significant damage occurred in the city of Pozzuoli, where massive blocks of tuff fell from one of the buildings. The falling rocks crushed several parked cars.

According to emergency services, 18 families were evacuated from damaged buildings. The residents were accommodated in temporary shelters. One of the most challenging rescue operations involved an 80-year-old bedridden man, who had to be evacuated using an aerial ladder because the staircase had been damaged.

The port of Pozzuoli was closed due to the earthquake’s aftermath, as the quay was deemed unsafe for use. Ships to the islands of Procida and Ischia normally depart from this port. Rail services at the Naples transport hub were restored only overnight. Before that, train delays exceeded six hours.