A magnitude 4.7 earthquake struck Naples on Friday, July 31, 2026, causing power outages and minor damage, including cars crushed by falling boulders. The earthquake was centered in the Campi Flegrei area, west of Naples, at a depth of approximately 3 kilometers, according to Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV).
The tremor, which occurred at 5:46 p.m. local time, led to disruptions in train and metro services. Firefighters reported receiving calls about elevators being stuck and small pieces of plaster falling from buildings. Authorities confirmed that a high-voltage pylon had collapsed, but backup power was subsequently restored to affected areas. No immediate requests for emergency assistance were reported.
The Campi Flegrei region, known for frequent seismic activity due to its volcanic caldera, has experienced increased tremors in recent years, prompting enhanced monitoring by the Italian government. This recent earthquake is noted as one of the strongest recorded in the area.
Residents in some Naples neighborhoods evacuated their homes into the streets during the shaking. Elderly residents were observed preparing to spend the night outdoors, citing fear of further tremors. Workers were seen clearing debris from streets following the event.
Historically, the region has faced significant seismic crises. In November 1980, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake in the Irpinia region of southern Italy resulted in approximately 2,700 fatalities. More recently, in 2016, earthquakes in central Italy claimed around 300 lives.