Recently, the Phlegraean Fields have returned to life. Pozzuoli, Italy has been faced with thousands of earthquakes and a rising of the ground.
Now, experts have sounded the alarm: the most dangerous volcano in Europe, a volcano that decimated pre-historic Europe, may soon erupt.
Italy Sees Large Earthquakes
Over the last year, Italy has seen thousands of earthquakes rock the Pozzuoli region. One rather large and powerful quake even led to more than 1,500 people seeking temporary shelter.
Buildings were harmed, cracks appeared in many walls, and residents began to worry that the shock waves would soon set off the dangerous volcano they live in the shadow of.
Nearly 500,000 People Are in Danger
As the water line recedes and the ground rises, experts have warned that the Phlegraean Fields may soon experience an eruption.
If this happens, this could have devastating consequences. About 80,000 people live in the most dangerous regions where lava could reach them immediately. Meanwhile, about 485,000 people reside in the designated danger zone if this volcano does become active once again.
An Entrance to Hell
The Phlegraean Fields, also called Campi Flegrei in Italian, have long been talked about in human history, as devastation often occurs in this region. This volcano is said to be the most dangerous volcano in all of Europe, and the ancient Romans believed it was an entrance to Hell.
Scientists also believe this volcano experienced the most violent eruption seen in prehistoric Europe. This extreme eruption occurred 39,000 years ago — and science links this eruption to the possible extinction of the Neanderthals.
The Dangers of an Eruption
As more earthquakes in the region potentially hint that a volcano eruption is on the horizon, experts have explained that there’s no telling how dangerous this volcano activity could be.
It could be rather small. Or, it could be incredibly dangerous and end up wreaking more havoc than what was seen when Mt. Vesuvius erupted and destroyed Pompeii back in 79 AD.
The Science Community Is Split
The scientific community in Italy is completely split on what may happen with the Phlegraean Fields — and this split has spilled out into the public.
Some scientists don’t believe that an eruption is imminent at all. Meanwhile, others have brought forth worst-case scenarios and believe the government is refusing to admit these fears, as they don’t want to hurt the Italian economy.
A Serious Threat
Senior researcher Giuseppe Mastrolorenzo, who works with Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), has publicly fought with his own agency, as he believes they aren’t taking this threat seriously.
Mastrolorenzo has warned that even a small eruption “could devastate the entire metropolitan area of Naples, with its 3 million inhabitants.”
Rumblings Not Seen Since the 1980s
The region around the Phlegraean Fields last rumbled in similar ways back in the 1980s.
Some scientists don’t believe an eruption is imminent and instead think that volcanic earthquakes may be in store in the near future, similar to what was seen in the 1980s during the region’s last active period.
An Uncertain Government
Meanwhile, critics have called out the Italian government, which has released conflicting messages about this threat.
At first, Italy imposed a construction ban in the region. However, recently Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has allowed redevelopment of land in an area at risk of the volcano’s eruption.
Should People Evacuate?
Because of this uncertainty, locals aren’t sure whether they should evacuate or not. Some scientists think an eruption will soon happen, while others refuse to theorize about this possibility.
Retired geochemist Giovanni Chiodini has stated that the volcano appears to have become more dangerous. However, he thinks scientists are more reluctant to reveal this, as it could alarm a very populated area in Italy, explaining, “If we were talking about a volcano in Antarctica, we would all be saying that it’s moving toward an eruption.”
Italy’s Active Volcanoes
Italy contains the most active volcanoes in all of continental Europe — and the most dangerous one, the Phlegaean Fields.
Currently, two of Italy’s most active volcanoes are erupting in minor ways. The noted Mt. Etna in Sicily is going through a small active phase at the moment. However, fears over Campi Flegrei remain.
Preparing for Devastation
Now, many locals of this coastal community have begun to prepare for potential devastation — whether this devastation comes from a massive earthquake or a volcano eruption.
Though officials can’t seem to get on the same page about what is ahead for Pozzuoli residents, many have emergency bags already packed, just in case the worst-case scenario does arrive.
