Earthquake today: 4.4 magnitude quake rattles Italy’s Naples; power supply disrupted, tourists on streets
Earthquake today: A 4.4-magnitude earthquake rattled the Italian city, Naples, at 1:25 am (local time) on Friday, March 13, sending terrified tourists running into the streets.
Locals reported hearing a ‘huge roar’ moments before the tremors were felt, causing homes to collapse in minutes. The earthquake in Naples is the strongest quake to hit the city in 40 years, reported The Mirror.
The tremor was followed by at least two weaker aftershocks, stated Italian media reports.
Reportedly, Pozzuoli – a small district of Naples near the coast, is believed to be the source of the earthquake.
Power supply disrupted; residents climbing out of windows
After the earthquake sent rubble tumbling and buildings shaking, many people in the area were forced to spend the night on the streets. Some residents were also trapped underneath the rubble.
The earthquake lasted for approximately 20 seconds, disrupting power supply across Naples.
A woman trapped under a collapsed ceiling at the epicenter was rescued by firefighters. Meanwhile, in Bagnoli, rescue teams worked swiftly to free residents trapped in their homes.
Recent photos of the Naples earthquake shows locals climbing out of their windows to save themselves, mentions a report by ANSA. Other photos which emerged later, also showed one damaged house and a car with a smashed windscreen.
Tremors felt in Naples’ neighbouring regions
The tremors of Friday’s earthquake was also felt in several areas of Naples’ neighbouring region, Campania, Italian media reported.
A rescue co-ordination centre has been set up to assess the damage.
According to Corriere Della Sera, an Italian media outlet, schools in Pozzuoli and two nearby neighborhoods will remain closed inspecting the stability of buildings.
Earthquake in Delhi
Days before an earthquake struck Naples, India’s capital city, Delhi experienced a similar earthquake of magnitude 4.0 on the Richter scale, on February 17. Locals also reported hearing a ‘roar’, and tremors were felt in the neighbouring areas of the capital city.
