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The Campi Flegrei supervolcano, located just west of Naples, Italy, is showing increasingly concerning signs of geological unrest, prompting scientists and civil authorities to heighten monitoring efforts. Over the past three years, the region has experienced more than 54,000 earthquakes, a dramatic surge in seismic activity that experts warn could be a precursor to a larger volcanic event.
On May 20th, a magnitude 4.4 earthquake struck the area, marking the strongest tremor recorded in the region in over four decades. Residents across Naples and surrounding towns reported shaking strong enough to crack walls and disrupt daily life. While no casualties were reported, the quake reignited fears about the long-dormant but historically powerful volcano.
Campi Flegrei, which translates to “Burning Fields,” is not a typical cone-shaped volcano but a vast caldera formed by a massive eruption nearly 39,000 years ago—one of the most explosive events in European history. That eruption is believed to have had global climate effects and may have contributed to the decline of Neanderthal populations.
Today, nearly half a million people live within the caldera’s reach, making it one of the most densely populated volcanic zones in the world. Scientists from Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) have observed ground deformation, gas emissions, and thermal anomalies that suggest magma movement beneath the surface.
Despite the growing concerns, experts caution against panic. “We are not predicting an imminent eruption,” said Dr. Mauro Di Vito, director of INGV’s Naples observatory. “But the signals are clear: the volcano is restless, and we must be prepared.”
Local authorities have begun updating evacuation plans and conducting public awareness campaigns to ensure residents understand the risks and know how to respond in case of emergency. The Italian government has also allocated additional funding for real-time monitoring systems and infrastructure reinforcement.
The situation remains fluid, and while the volcano may settle back into dormancy, the recent activity serves as a stark reminder of the geological forces beneath one of Italy’s most historic and vulnerable regions.