Strong quake shakes Naples, forcing residents into streets and cars

A powerful earthquake struck the Campi Flegrei area in Italy at 1:25 am local time, sending hundreds of residents into the streets.

The 4.4 magnitude quake, the strongest in 40 years, had its epicenter 3 km deep near Via Napoli in Pozzuoli and was preceded by a loud roar.

The quake triggered a seismic swarm, with seven smaller tremors recorded by 9 am.

Experts link the event to accelerating ground uplift caused by worsening bradyseism.