In the port town of Pozzuoli, located just outside Naples, soccer and politics are not the dominant topics of conversation; instead, residents are preoccupied with a deep-seated fear stemming from the ongoing seismic activity induced by a supervolcano in the region.
In recent weeks, the Italian government has been preparing for the possibility of a large-scale evacuation involving tens of thousands of people residing in the vicinity of the expansive volcanic area, referred to as the Campi Flegrei, or Phlegraean Fields, derived from the ancient Greek term signifying "burning."
The region is characterized by the emergence of sulfurous fumes from the surface, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that has drawn the attention of tourists. For the locals, this environment has become commonplace, with residents adapting to the smell, the fumes, and the persistent tremors. In September alone, there were over a thousand recorded earthquakes, the majority of them being of minor intensity.
However, a significant event unfolded on September 27 when a 4.2 magnitude earthquake occurred, marking the most powerful tremor in over four decades within the volcanic area. This seismic event has raised concerns among scientists, who refer to it as a "seismic crisis," marking the first of its kind since the early 1980s.
Despite the fact that the major earthquake did not cause any significant structural damage, it, along with approximately 500 smaller quakes that have transpired thus far in October, has left residents, including individuals like Annamaria Scardi, a mother of two teenagers, feeling anxious. She expressed that even the minor tremors induce fear and worry about the necessity to evacuate. Yet, the question remains, where would they go in such a situation?
It is crucial to emphasize that there is no immediate threat of a volcanic eruption, according to experts. Nevertheless, they are concerned that the ongoing geophysical activity, which has been causing both ground uplift and subsidence, might compromise the stability of buildings and structures.
The Italian government, having discussed the situation in its cabinet meetings, would only consider ordering an evacuation if civil protection authorities ascertain that the structural integrity of buildings is at risk.
The geological phenomenon at play is referred to as "bradyseism," a term used to describe ground movements arising from the inflow or outflow of magma in deep underground chambers. This same crisis occurred four decades ago and extended over several years, leading to the temporary evacuation of 40,000 people from Pozzuoli, a town renowned as the birthplace of actress Sophia Loren.
Individuals such as Vincenzo Russo find themselves in a conundrum. He expressed his desire to remain in Pozzuoli, but his wife and children are actively seeking a residence in the Castel Volturno region, located approximately 30 km (18 miles) to the north. The uncertainty and apprehension have made it difficult to find peace, with tremors frequently unsettling daily life.
On the other hand, some, like Angelo Prezzini and his friends who congregate in the courtyard of a social club for retirees, adopt a more composed perspective. Angelo, 78 years old, proclaimed his willingness to defy any evacuation order, while Luigi Ilardi, 66 years old, added, "We are accustomed to it. I've been used to it since I was 13."
