In southern Italy, several hundred thousand people live in a volcanic caldera whose activity has been more intense than usual in recent months. Residents are torn between concern and resignation while the authorities monitor the situation closely.
Late last September, an earthquake measuring 4.2 on the Richter scale struck Pozzuoli, a town near Naples in an area called the Phlegrean Fields. It was the strongest earthquake recorded there in 40 years.
In this vast, capricious volcanic basin, much more active than the better-known Vesuvius, Euronews Witness journalist Julian Lopez spoke with residents, scientists and officials to assess the situation.
More than 1,000 earthquakes in one month
The Phlegrean fields are associated with a phenomenon of bradyseism or “volcanic blast”, a geological feature which raises or lowers the ground under the influence of magma and gases. “In September we had over 1,000 earthquakes in one month,” points out Mauro Antonio Di Vito, director of the Osservatorio Vesuviano, the local branch of the National Institute of Vulcanology. “Today the process has slowed down, but we know that this can change, we can only continue to monitor the area with the greatest attention,” he emphasizes.
This is not the first time that bradyseism has raised serious concerns. In 1970 and the 1980s, old districts of Pozzuoli were evacuated due to seismic activity.
“This phenomenon has become our friend”
Local painter Antonio Isabettini, 68, has been deported with his family more than once. Today he doesn’t seem worried. “We are almost used to this phenomenon, it has become our friend,” he points out. “The important thing is that he doesn’t hurt us, but he sure as heck will never hurt us,” he assures.
Despite everything, the authorities are preparing for a worsening of the situation. Evacuation plans dedicated to volcanic risks have been ready for a long time.
Some 1.5 million people potentially affected
A specific plan for bradyseism is being developed. The capacity of essential services and transport infrastructure is being assessed and communication strategies are being developed.
“We don’t want to reassure the population, we want to make them aware of the problem so that they are aware of it,” insists Italo Giulivo, director of civil protection in the region, who ensures the safety of some 1.5 million people likely to be affected.
Journalist • Julian GOMEZ