Many residents in and around the Italian city of Naples spent the night outside after a powerful earthquake shook buildings and sent rubble crashing down. The 4.4-magnitude tremor struck at 01:25 local time on Thursday, with its epicenter near the town of Pozzuoli.
The quake, which occurred at a shallow depth of three kilometers, disrupted power supply in parts of Naples and caused structural damage in several areas. In Pozzuoli, one person was rescued from the rubble of a partially collapsed house.
Naples sits on the Phlegraean Fields, a volcanic basin known for frequent seismic activity. The tremor was followed by at least two weaker aftershocks, prompting fears of further quakes.
Residents fled their homes, gathering on the streets as emergency teams assessed the damage. Photos from the scene showed a damaged house and a car with a shattered windscreen.
Authorities have set up a rescue coordination center, and schools in Pozzuoli and nearby neighborhoods will remain closed Thursday for building safety inspections.
