La recent seismic activity has highlighted concerns about the situation of Campi Flegrei, an active volcanic zone near Napoli. This text offers advice on what to do if there is an eruption and gives an overview of the geology of the region.
Il Civil Protection Department issued a statement on social media, in response to the growing concern due to frequent earthquakes which have put the local population. The organization suggests that those who live or are in the area get a precise idea about volcanic territory and on strategies for safety, directing people to the site I'm Not at Risk (civil protection).
What are Campi Flegrei?
I Campi Flegrei they are an area volcanic which presents a “boiler“, a depressed area formed as a result of explosive eruptions. The geological history of the caldera reveals that, over the past 15.000 years, it has undergone over 70 eruptions, forming volcanic edifices, craters and lakes, such as Astroni, Solfatara and the lake of Averno. A phenomenon called bradyseism it concerns the slow vertical movement of the soil, with significant crises recorded between 1969-1972 and 1982-1984.
What can happen in case of an eruption?
The activity of Campi Flegrei has always manifested itself mainly through explosive eruptions. Forecasts for the future suggest the persistence of this trend, and the website of the Civil protection provided a list of potential manifestations:
- Formation of an eruptive column: composed of gas, incandescent lava shreds and ashes, it can reach a height of tens of kilometres.
- Fall of volcanic material: it includes large-sized debris deposited in the area close to the eruptive vent and ash and lapilli which, carried by the wind, can extend up to tens of kilometers away.
- Generation of pyroclastic flows: avalanches composed of gases, ash and volcanic fragments at high temperature and speed, capable of advancing for several kilometers and exceeding the contours of the caldera.
- Ground explosions: they occur in areas with intense hydrothermal activity, such as the Solfatara/Pisciarelli region. They can also occur before the onset of a rash.
- Mudflows: created by the combination of volcanic ash and water, they can form both in conjunction with the eruption, due to the rains, and after some time after the volcanic event.
Evacuation plan and risk zones
The site iononrischio.it explains the procedures to follow in case of an eruption. Two main areas are identified:
- Red Zone:
- Municipalities included:
- Pozzuoli
- bacoli
- Monte di Procida
- Bedroom
- Part of the Municipalities of Giugliano in Campania and Marano di Napoli
- Some districts of Naples: Soccavo, Pianura, Bagnoli, Fuorigrotta and others
- Municipalities included:
- Yellow Zone:
- Municipalities included:
- villaricca
- Calverley
- Marano di Napoli
- Mugnano of Naples
- Melito di Napoli
- Casavatore
- 24 districts of the Municipality of Naples such as Arenella, Avvocata, Barra, and others.
- Municipalities included:
La red zone it is the one most at risk and, in the event of an eruption, the population should evacuate before the phenomenon begins. There yellow zone, however, provides for a dynamic assessment based on the direction of the winds and the severity of the eruption. The Volcanic risk plan at Campi Flegrei it involves various bodies at national and regional level.
More information on the site risks.protezionecivile.gov.it
