Europe's most dangerous volcano is becoming active again in Italy's Phlegraean Field, sparking fear and debate among locals and scientists. The volcanic area near Naples has seen an increase in earthquakes and ground rises, leaving people worried about a possible eruption that could devastate the region.
The Phlegraean field, a vast volcanic region with many craters, has been unstable for months, with the ground rising by two centimetres per month, water levels at local wharves dropping, and thousands of small earthquakes terrorising coastal communities, forcing the temporary evacuation of 1,500 people.
How dangerous is an eruption?
Around 80,000 people live in the area, known for the smell of sulfur and beautiful views of the islands of Capri and Ischia. Despite the growing danger, many residents continue to go about their daily lives: cooking, playing soccer and going about their daily routines. But the threat is always in the back of people's minds, and some experts urge people to consider evacuating before the situation gets worse.
Giuseppe Mastrolorenzo, a senior researcher at Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, has been outspoken about the risks. He warns that underground pressure could build up and be suddenly released, triggering a catastrophic eruption that would cover Naples in ash and hazardous materials. Mastrolorenzo believes the situation is serious enough to trigger evacuation plans.
But not everyone agrees with him.
An exaggerated warning?
Some officials, including Pozzuoli's mayor, Luigi Manzoni, think Mastrolorenzo's warning is too extreme. They say the threat is real but manageable and that mass evacuations are not necessary. The central government has sent conflicting messages, imposing a temporary ban on construction work while backing a major redevelopment project in the area.
The Phlegraean Field last erupted in 1538, forming a crater lake that still exists today.
While there are no clear signs that magma is rising to the surface rapidly, the situation is unpredictable, and experts are divided on how long it would take for residents to evacuate if a major eruption were to occur. While the 1538 eruption gave residents days, or even weeks, some worry that future eruptions could happen with little warning.
Recent earthquakes have already caused damage in the area – a magnitude 4.4 quake struck in May, forcing a school, a prison and more than 100 homes to evacuate. Residents are growing worried as buildings reinforced in the 1980s are starting to crack again.
Local civil society groups are calling on the government to do more and accuse authorities of downplaying the threat in order to protect the economy. Tourism is down, businesses are struggling and some people are starting to wonder whether they should stay or go.
(Courtesy of The Washington Post)
