Campi Flegrei — earthquakes near Naples and bradyseism explained
The quake of 31 July 2026
At 19:46 on 31 July 2026, an Md 4.7 earthquake struck between Pozzuoli and Quarto at a depth of about 3 km. According to INGV it is the strongest instrumentally recorded quake of the current crisis. Its shallow focus meant it was strongly felt in Naples, on Ischia and on the Sorrento peninsula; buildings were damaged and people injured.
Earlier strong quakes included 20 May 2024 and 13 May 2025 (4.4), 13 March and 30 June 2025 (4.6) and 21 May 2026 (4.4). Each was followed by a swarm of weaker tremors.
Fire map — Italy
Each dot is a thermal anomaly detected from orbit. Tap a dot for radiative power and the satellite pass time.
Updated —
Satellites pass over a given point a few times a day, so a fire may appear with a delay. Use this to assess the situation — it does not replace official bulletins from national civil protection. Source: NASA FIRMS.
Hotspot statistics — Italy
What bradyseism is
Bradyseism is the slow rise and fall of the ground. The current phase began in 2005 — by 2023 the ground in Pozzuoli had risen by more than a metre. It is driven by rising pressure in the hydrothermal system as water, steam and gases accumulate beneath the caldera. When the strain exceeds the strength of the rock, earthquakes occur.
Scientists at the Vesuvius Observatory stress that a single earthquake does not mean an eruption is imminent. The official alert level remains yellow.
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Holidays in Naples and the surroundings
Naples, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast operate normally. After stronger quakes, Pozzuoli harbour, stretches of coast below cliffs and some buildings may close temporarily for inspection. The red-zone evacuation plan covers around half a million residents — a plan for a higher alert level, not a current instruction.
During a quake, take cover under a sturdy table or next to a load-bearing wall, do not use lifts, and once it stops move to open ground away from buildings. The emergency number in Italy is 112. Other European volcanoes are covered in other hazards.
Wind and weather — Italy
Wind direction and speed decide which way a fire runs. Switch the layer to temperature or humidity to judge the risk.
Strong wind, temperatures above 35 °C and humidity below 30% together are the conditions in which fire spreads fastest.