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Have you ever imagined living in a city that could be destroyed at any moment by a volcano? It sounds like something out of a movie, but this is the reality of thousands of people in Italy.
A silent and devastating threat may be about to resurface in Naples, putting the lives of 500 people at risk. The Campi Flegrei supervolcano, one of the largest in Europe, is more active than ever, and scientists are on alert.
The volcanic situation in Italy
According to the geophysicist and YouTuber Sergio Sacani, the situation in Italy is worrying. “Italy is one of the countries with the most active volcanoes in the world, such as Etna, in Sicily, and Stromboli, on a small island to the north”, explains Sacani.
Etna, which is currently erupting, has already caused airports to shut down due to the large amount of volcanic ash. “When Etna erupts, it does not destroy cities, but it paralyzes aviation, as the ash can destroy aircraft engines by turning into glass when it comes into contact with the turbines”, warns the expert.
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Campi Flegrei: the supervolcano of Naples
Naples, however, faces an even greater threat: Campi Flegrei, a supervolcano that has the power to swallow an entire city. “This supervolcano is located in the Naples caldera, where about 500 thousand people live. If it erupts, these people will need to be evacuated immediately, and many lives will be at risk,” says Sacani.
The city of Naples already has a history marked by volcanic catastrophes. Mount Vesuvius, famous for having destroyed the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum in 79 AD, is a constant reminder of the devastating power of volcanoes. Campi Flegrei, in turn, is even more dangerous due to its huge volcanic caldera, which stretches for dozens of kilometers.
Signs of current activity and concerns
According to Sergio Sacani, Campi Flegrei has shown signs of activity. “We have registered a significant increase in earthquakes in the region, which indicates that magma is moving underground”, explains the geophysicist. These tremors are a harbinger that the volcano could erupt at any moment, and Naples residents are increasingly worried.
In August 2024, volcanology experts reported that the alert for Campi Flegrei had been raised to the yellow level, meaning the risk of an eruption had increased. Many residents have already started to leave their homes and seek refuge in safer areas, setting up camps in squares and open spaces.. The uncertainty about what could happen in the coming days has generated panic among the population.
Reasons for staying in a risk area
According to Sacani, the decision of many people to remain in the area, despite the risks, is due to the fact that the region where the volcano is located is known for its thermal waters and luxurious spas. “Naples is a tourist destination famous for its hot springs. Many hotels and resorts are built on the slopes of the volcano, and their owners do not want to abandon their businesses, even knowing the risks”, comments the geophysicist.
Furthermore, the region's geology, rich in volcanic rocks, was used in the construction of Naples over the centuries. The city, which has been destroyed and rebuilt several times, has its architecture closely linked to volcanic activity. According to Sacani, “yellow rock, or 'tufa', is a geological material formed by past eruptions of Campi Flegrei and is widely used in the city's construction.”
Future monitoring and predictions
Meanwhile, Italian authorities are on high alert, monitoring the volcano 24 hours a day. Scientists continue to study seismic patterns and gases emitted by the volcanic caldera to try to predict when Campi Flegrei might erupt. However, even with all the technology available, predicting the eruption of a volcano of this magnitude is still a challenge.
According to information updated in August 2024, Experts estimate that an eruption of Campi Flegrei could release enough volcanic ash and toxic gases to cause a volcanic winter in parts of Europe. This could result in global climate impacts, harming agriculture and causing a food crisis in several regions.
The issue of staying in risk areas
In such an alarming scenario, many wonder why people continue to live in such a dangerous area. Second Sergio Sacani, the answer lies in the culture and history of Naples.
“The city is resilient. Neapolitans have lived with the threat of volcanoes for centuries, and this is an intrinsic part of their identity. They know the risks, but they also know that it is impossible to predict exactly when the volcano will erupt”, he concludes.
With all these factors at play, the question remains: would you have the courage to stay in a city that could be swallowed by a supervolcano? What would you do on this occasion? Leave your answer in the comments.
