Stay or flee the volcano? The dilemma of the inhabitants of the Bay of Naples
This volcanic and seismic zone, located off the coast of Naples in southern Italy, is known as the "Phlegraean Fields." In recent months, it has been the scene of numerous moderate-intensity tremors. While these have caused no casualties and little damage, they are causing concern, with some residents fearing a devastating volcanic eruption, while others denounce excessive alarmism.
Originally, the Pouzolles macellum was at the same level as the rest of the neighborhood. Today, it is at least two levels lower. In the 17th century, someone guessed that beneath the remains of the three columns emerging from the ground, there must be something else. And indeed, while digging, an ancient Roman market was uncovered. Under the effect of the phenomenon of bradyseism, a term literally meaning “slow tremors” [and designating movements of rising and falling of the ground due to small earthquakes of volcanic origin], the entire architectural ensemble had sunk into the ground, been submerged by seawater, before resurfacing. Today, everyone sees it as a sort of patient zero of the geological “disease” of the Phlegraean Fields. The most violent episodes occurred between 1970-1972 and 1982-1984. The population was then evacuated, with thousands of people relocated elsewhere for years.
The earth continued to tremble, and an eruption was feared. Fears that are returning today. As if the fire had been rekindled beneath the caldera composed of some forty volcanoes, the great cauldron on which this magnificent and cursed region rests. The magma is heating up. It is swelling.
Courrier International
