Pozzuoli earthquake as streets damaged with several injured and 250 evacuated from homes

Areas of Naples in Italy have continued to be rocked overnight after the 4.7-magnitude earthquake hit the town of Pozzuoli, leaving debris across the streets and damaging cars

At least 21 people have been injured with two reported to be in a serious condition after a 4.7-magnitude earthquake hit the Italian town of Pozzuoli yesterday (July 31) and aftershocks reported through the night.

A 3.8-magnitude aftershock was reported and felt and also felt by those in nearby Naples. In total around around 15 tremors were recorded during the night with fears some buildings may collapse.

As well as the people injured, streets have been seen covered in debris and cars smashed by it falling from buildings in horror scenes for locals.

Firefighters are desperately checking buildings to see if they are structurally safe with a decision being made to evacuate over 250 residents from properties with the figure only expected to rise.

Three streets in Pozzuoli so far have been deemed unsafe, which are Via Ciliano, Via Fasano, and Via Sacchini. The decision was made due to fears a local bell tower could collapse. Nine buildings have been deemed unsafe by officials so far, reports The Express.

Of the of 21 people injured, 20are receiving treatment at Pozzuoli Hospital and one has been taken to Giugliano.

Department Head Fabio Ciciliano said: “The number of injured was updated to 21, two of whom were classified as critical.” He also confirmed that 185 beds have been set up in the Palatrincone reception area in Pozzuoli.

As firefighters have been checking the safety of buildings, they have confirmed they received no reports of people trapped and in need of rescue.

Some media reports have called yesterday’s earthquake the strongest the area has had to deal with.

Videos have also gone viral online with buildings, shops and restaurants shaken suddenly as people were rocked by the unexpected quake.

Pozzuoli mayor Luigi Manzoni issued a message to his citizens. He said: “I understand the concern and apprehension that can arise in these moments, especially among families. We immediately activated the Municipal Operations Center (COC) to coordinate all monitoring and assistance activities for the population.

“We are in constant contact with the Vesuvius Observatory, the Civil Protection Department, and all the competent authorities to follow the evolution of the ongoing seismic swarm minute by minute.”

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