Recent earthquakes near Naples
Naples sits within one of the most geologically active regions of Europe, ringed by the Campi Flegrei caldera, Mount Vesuvius, and the seismic faults of the southern Apennines. Volcanic unrest at Campi Flegrei produces swarms of shallow earthquakes through ground uplift known as bradyseism. The 1980 Irpinia earthquake (M6.9) struck the Apennines east of the city. In the past 24 hours, Naples has recorded no earthquakes above the reporting threshold.
Counts include M2.5+ events — the smallest size USGS reports consistently worldwide.
Recent earthquakes
| Magnitude | Time (UTC) | Depth | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| M4.7 | Oct 23, 15:32 UTC | 10 km | 52 km WNW of Malfa, Italy |
| M5.2 | Oct 23, 13:55 UTC | 10 km | 50 km WNW of Malfa, Italy |
| M5.7 | Oct 23, 10:19 UTC | 10 km | 61 km WNW of Leni, Italy |
| M4.9 | Oct 23, 09:51 UTC | 10 km | 53 km WNW of Leni, Italy |
Notable recent activity
A moderate M5.7 earthquake struck 61 km WNW of Leni, Italy at 10:19 UTC on Oct 23 at a depth of 10 km.
A moderate M5.2 earthquake struck 50 km WNW of Malfa, Italy at 13:55 UTC on Oct 23 at a depth of 10 km.
An M4.9 earthquake struck 53 km WNW of Leni, Italy at 09:51 UTC on Oct 23 at a depth of 10 km.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Naples have earthquakes?
Naples faces two sources: the extensional faults of the southern Apennines to its east, and volcanic activity at Campi Flegrei and Vesuvius, which produces shallow earthquake swarms as the ground deforms. Both are actively monitored.
What is bradyseism at Campi Flegrei?
Bradyseism is the slow rise and fall of the ground over the Campi Flegrei caldera as underground fluids and magma shift. During uplift phases it generates frequent shallow earthquakes beneath the Naples area, which authorities track closely.
What was the biggest earthquake near Naples?
The November 23, 1980 Irpinia earthquake, magnitude 6.9, struck the Apennines east of Naples and killed nearly 3,000 people across the Campania region. It is the most destructive earthquake in the area's modern history.
Nearby regions
Live data from the USGS earthquake feeds. Magnitudes and depths are automated readings and may be revised. Not for emergency use.