Seismic situation in Campi Flegrei: high risk for 2000 buildings, government plan of 100 million

The earth continues to shake in Campi Flegrei, one of the most dangerous volcanic areas in the world. Since March 13, an earthquake of magnitude 4.4 has shaken the municipalities of Naples, Pozzuoli and Bacoli, marking the strongest seismic event in the last forty years in the area. The earthquake triggered a wave of evacuations: 142 families, for a total of 340 people, were forced to abandon their homes.

The data provided by the Civil Protection and the Prefecture of Naples are constantly updated. Currently, over 1000 interventions were carried out by the Fire Brigade, while another 330 requests are still pending. The affected area has a high seismic vulnerability, with as many as 2000 buildings considered at high risk of collapse.

Measures for displaced persons and support from the Campania Region

The evacuated people were placed in different structures: 55 found refuge in hotels affiliated with the Campania Region, while the others opted for independent accommodation. At the headquarters in via Acate, 17 people stayed overnight last night, 41 found hospitality at the Palatrincone in Monterusciello and 7 in Bacoli, in Viale Olimpico.

Il President of the Campania Region, Vincenzo De Luca, underlined the active role of the Region in addressing the crisis: "At Campi Flegrei we are replacing the Municipalities. We have created a reception area in Bagnoli, but the management of the displaced is a municipal responsibility." De Luca called for more effective coordination between institutions to avoid delays and bureaucratic mix-ups.

A highly vulnerable area: the government's plan to mitigate the risks

Il Minister for Civil Protection, Nello Musumeci, declared that the first measure adopted by the government was to carry out a Expedited reconnaissance of vulnerable buildings. “We have identified approximately 2000 buildings at high seismic risk. A targeted intervention by the State is planned for this area to reduce exposure to seismic risk”, explained the minister.

The plan includes the allocation of 100 million euros until 2029 for interventions on schools, private homes and public infrastructures. Tuttavia, Musumeci admitted that the previous “Sisma Bonus” did not give the expected results: “The bonus was used mainly for thermal insulation, not for seismic safety. We need to change our approach.”

Meanwhile, the Naples Prosecutor's Office has intensified the demolitions of illegal buildings in the Campi Flegrei area. Prosecutor Nicola Gratteri said that demolitions have tripled in the last year: “The seismic risk is aggravated by the presence of non-compliant buildings. A drastic intervention is necessary to guarantee the safety of the population”.

The earthquake in the province of Potenza: fear and closed schools

Beyond the Phlegraean Fields, another earthquake hit the province of Potenza this morning, March 18. The earthquake, of magnitude 4.2, was recorded at 10:01 with epicentre six kilometres from the municipality of Vaglio Basilicata, at a depth of 14,3 kmThe shock was clearly felt by the population, prompting many people to take to the streets for fear of further collapses.

Following the event, The mayor of Potenza, Vincenzo Telesca, has ordered the suspension of teaching activities in schools of all levelso. Also the rail traffic between Tito and Potenza has been temporarily interrupted to enable infrastructure safety checks.

According to Lucia Margheriti, a seismologist at the INGV, the depth of the earthquake contributed to reducing its impact on the ground: “Given the depth of 14 km, the seismic waves were attenuated before reaching the surface. This limited the damage, although the area is considered to be at high seismic risk”.

Fortunately, no serious damage to buildings or people has been reported, but authorities continue to monitor the situation.

A look to the future: how to address seismic risk in Italy

Italy is a highly seismic country, with areas such as the Campi Flegrei and the Southern Apennines particularly exposed to events of this type. Experts underline the need for a more effective prevention plan, which includes seismic retrofitting interventions on buildings and greater awareness among the population.