How frequent are earthquakes in Italy?

Italy has a high level of seismic activity. Based on data from the past 25 years and our earthquake archive back to 1900, there are about 26,000 quakes on average per year in Italy. Italy has had at least 62 quakes above magnitude 7 since 1900, which suggests that larger earthquakes of this size occur infrequently, probably on average approximately every 1 to 5 years.

How many earthquakes occur every year in Italy?

On average, Italy has about 231 quakes of magnitude 3 or higher per year (Mag 4+: 23.9 quakes per year, Mag 5+: 3.2 quakes per year).

Volcanoes of Italy (52)

Q: When was the last volcanic eruption in Italy?

The last volcanic eruption in Italy was from Etna volcano . It began in 2022 and is continuing (as of May 2025).

Go to: Eruptions FAQ Quakes News

Italy is a volcanically very active country, containing the only recently active volcanoes in mainland Europe. The country's volcanism is related to complex tectonic interactions along the boundary between the Eurasian and the African tectonic plates.
Three main clusters of volcanism exist: a line of volcanic centers running northwest along the central part of the Italian mainland (including the Campanian volcanic arc to which Vesuvius and the Campi Flegrei belong); a cluster in the northeast of Sicily (Etna and the Eolian Islands); and another cluster around the Mediterranean island of Pantelleria.

Eolian Islands (7 volcanoes)

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Significant volcanic eruptions: Italy

In historic times, at least 8 volcanoes have been active in Italy, including Etna, Stromboli, and Vesuvius volcanoes. A total of 289 eruptions have been witnessed and documented since around 1500 BC.
The table below lists the most recent volcanic eruptions, significant eruptive episodes or related events in Italy since around 2000.

Date	Volcano	VEI	Region	Deaths	Damage
1934 Feb 2 - ongoing	Stromboli Summit craters and Sciara del Fuoco	2	Eolian Islands, Italy
2022 Nov 27 - ongoing	Etna Summit activity (mostly: Southeast crater complex; intermittent activity at Voragine and NE craters, sub-terminal effusive flank vents)	2	Sicily, Italy
2022 Dec 4 (eruption 1934 Feb 2 - ongoing)	Stromboli	2	Eolian Islands, Italy			Info
2022 Dec 4: Ref #13386 states that the data from the cameras and instruments that detected phenomenon show that the tsunami was generated by the impact on the sea surface from a rather intense pyroclastic flow, similar to the one that occurred in early October (but more intense). (Note: unofficial translation) Ref #13390 states that on the afternoon of 4 December 2022, some volcanic events occurred involving the crater area of Stromboli and the Sciara del Fuoco and which have no direct relationship with the seismic event of magnitude ML 4.6 recorded at 8:12 local time with epicenter located southwest of the island of Vulcano. At 14:10 UTC a lava overflow and a concomitant intense explosive activity started both from the northern crater area; subsequently a more intense explosion occurred from the central-southern crater area and small collapses of material were observed along the upper part of the Sciara del Fuoco. As lava overflow and explosive activity continued, one (or more) pyroclastic flow(s) was formed probably triggered by the collapse of part of the crater rim of the North sector. At 15:19 UTC there was another pyroclastic flow which lasted several minutes and produced abundant quantities of ash which temporarily blocked the view of the summit area. The fine material was dispersed by light southwesterly winds. The pyroclastic flows generated, which spread along the Sciara del Fuoco, gave rise to a large amount of ash and, once they reached the coast, generated an anomaly in the sea level which was recorded by the MEDE observation system. (Note: unofficial translation) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). #13386 Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV), Italy (2022): "Stromboli, 4 dicembre 2022: tsunami sì o tsunami no?" by Centro Allerta Tsuanmi, INGV. Published 05 December 2022. Link #13390 Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV), Italy (2022): Cosa è successo a Stromboli il 4 dicembre 2022. Published 05 December 2022. Link Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2022 Oct 9 (eruption 1934 Feb 2 - ongoing)	Stromboli	2	Eolian Islands, Italy			Info
2022 Oct 9: At 9:22 today 9 October 2022 (7:22 UTC), a lava overflow in the Central sector of the crater area caused the collapse of a portion of the crater rim which gave rise to a pyroclastic flow on the Sciara del Fuoco . The flow reached the shoreline in about 26 seconds and impacted the water at a terminal velocity of about 50 m / s. (Note: unofficial translation) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). #13357 Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV), Italy (2022): Un piccolo tsunami vulcanico a Stromboli. Published 09 October 2022. Link Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2013 Sep 3 - 2022 Jun 17	Etna New Southeast Crater (NSEC)	3	Sicily, Italy
2021 May 19 (eruption 1934 Feb 2 - ongoing)	Stromboli	2	Eolian Islands, Italy
2019 Aug 28 (eruption 1934 Feb 2 - ongoing)	Stromboli	2	Eolian Islands, Italy			Info
2019 Aug 28: It has been a paroxysmal explosion of less intensity compared to the one of last July 3, however the whole system is on alert and the volcano is constantly monitored", said the Head of Department Angelo Borrelli, who presided over the crisis unit gathered today, at 2 p.m., in the headquarters of Via Vitorchiano in Rome after the paroxysmal explosion occurred on the Stromboli volcano at 12.17 this morning. In close contact with the mayor of Lipari, Marco Giorgianni, the Department of Civil Protection of the Sicilian Region, the Prefecture of Messina, the Etnean Observatory of the INGV and other centres of expertise, the Fire Department, the Harbour Master's Office and the various operational structures of the civil protection system, including the Armed Forces and the Police Forces, the situation on the island of Stromboli was assessed just a few hours after the explosion, which also caused a 30-centimeter tsunami wave, constantly monitored. No damage to people or property has been detected as a result of the explosion, nor is there any leakage. The access to the volcano is forbidden by the Mayor since the explosions that took place last July. At the moment, the activities of monitoring the paths leading to the volcano keep going. Soon after the explosion, two canadairs have been sent to the island with the aim of extinguishing the fires caused by the explosion in the shortest possible time. The Harbour Master's Office provided some boats for the eventuality of a transfer of people. The island has also been banned from recreational boat traffic. Scheduled transfers, on the other hand, are guaranteed. Besides the activation of the whole system, the volunteers on the island are constantly informing the population about the situation and the preventive measures to adopt. The alarm sirens and all the measures provided for in the civil protection plan have also been activated shortly after the explosion. (all above from reference #12497) Cited references #12497 Protezione Civile (Italy) (2019): Stromboli eruption: the crisis unit of the Department of Civil Protection convened. Published 28 August 2019. Link Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2019 Jul 3 (eruption 1934 Feb 2 - ongoing)	Stromboli	2	Eolian Islands, Italy	1		Info
2019 Jul 3: Stromboli was hit by a set of violent eruptions Wednesday and the Mayor of Lipari, the biggest of the Aeolian Islands off Sicily that Stromboli belongs too, said one person was killed. Mayor Marco Giorgianni told ANSA that the victim was tourist who had trekked up to the summit of the volcano. The eruptions caused scared beach tourists to take to the sea. Two new lava spouts are creeping down the volcano on the famed island. The volcano is also shooting out red-hot rocks called lapilli which are setting fore to cane breaks, local sources said. "A huge column of dense black smoke is coming out of the crater," an eye witness said. Another said "there was a powerful explosion. We heard a bang, then a column of smoke and lapilli fell onto Ginostra, and flames on the slopes of the volcano". Fires have broken out across the island, fire services and forest rangers said. A journalist and owner of a bazar at Ginsotra, Gianluca Giuffre, told ANSA "all the people who were in the village about a hundred tourists and residents, either holed up at home or threw themselves into the sea. (reference #12459) Two pyroclastic flows were produced as a result of the explosions; they traveled down the Sciara and across the water for about 1 km before collapsing into the sea (figure 150). A hiker from Sicily was killed in the eruption and a Brazilian friend who was with him was badly injured, according to a Sicilian news source, ANSA, and the New York Post. They were hit by flying ejecta while hiking in the Punta dei Corvi area, due W of the summit and slightly N of Ginostra, about 100 m above sea level according to INGV. Most of the ejecta from the explosion dispersed to the WSW of the summit. Fallout also ignited vegetation on the slopes which narrowly missed destroying structures in the town. (reference #12572) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). #12459 ANSA (2019): Stromboli erupts, mayor says one person is dead. Published 03 July 2019. Link #12572 Global Volcanism Program (2019): Report on Stromboli (Italy) (Crafford, A.E., and Venzke, E., eds.). Bulletin of the Global Volcanism Network, 44:9. Smithsonian Institution. DOI:10.5479/si.GVP.BGVN201909-211040 #13741 Annunziato, A., Proietti, C., and Probst, P. (2019): Source Localization of the Stromboli Tsunami of 3 Jul 2019. Joint Research Centre European Commission. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2018 Dec 26 (eruption 2013 Sep 3 - 2022 Jun 17)	Etna	2	Sicily, Italy		very heavy	Info
2018 Dec 26: An overnight earthquake, triggered by Mount Etna's eruption two days ago, caused injuries and damage in Eastern Sicily early Wednesday morning. The volcano has been spewing ash and lava has flowed down its slopes since it began erupting on Monday. (reference #12320) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). #12320 National Public Radio (NPR) (2018): Sicily Is Shaken By Earthquake As Mount Etna Erupts Once Again. Published 26 December 2018. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2017 Mar 15 (eruption 2013 Sep 3 - 2022 Jun 17)	Etna	0	Sicily, Italy			Info
2017 Mar 15: Sicily's Mount Etna volcano unleashed an explosion Thursday, hurling molten rocks and steam that rained down on tourists, journalists and a scientist who scrambled to escape the barrage. Ten people were reported injured. The tourists, who were drawn to Etna to observe the spectacle of the active volcano erupting, were caught by surprise when its flowing magma hit thick snow, causing a phreatic explosion that rained rock and other material down upon them. (reference #12005) INGV reported that during the morning of 15 March lava began to flow down the S flank of Etna's Southeast Crater (SEC) - New Southeast Crater (NSEC) cone complex. Activity rapidly intensified at 0800, and by 1000 near-constant Strombolian explosions were generating ash plumes. The lava flow reached the base of the cone and traveled S. By late afternoon the lava was advancing on top of lava flows from the previous eruption. The intensity of the Strombolian activity reached a peak around 1840-1845, and by the evening both the eruptive activity and seismicity gradually diminished. Just before midnight a new lava flow began to effuse from a vent on the S flank of the cone. On 16 March at 1243 a phreato-magmatic explosion occurred at the front of a lava flow where it contacted an area covered with snow. An INGV-Osservatorio Etneo volcanologist was injured in the explosion, suffering minor bruises. A news article noted that about 10 people were injured during the event. (reference #2432) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). #12005 phys.org, Colleen Barry (2017): 10 injured by volcanic explosion on Italy's Mount Etna. Published 16 March 2017. https://phys.org/news/2017-03-explosion-erupting-mount-etna-volcano.html Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2010 Aug 25 - 2013 Apr 27	Etna Bocca Nuova (BN)	3	Sicily, Italy
2010 Apr 8	Etna SEC (South-East Crater)	1	Sicily, Italy
2008 May 13 - 2009 Jul 4	Etna East base of NE Crater (3000-2650 m)	1	Sicily, Italy
2007 Mar 19 - 2009 Jul 4	Etna Bocca Nuova, SE Crater and flank vents	2	Sicily, Italy
2006 Jul 14 - Dec 15	Etna SE Crater & flank vents; NE Crater	2	Sicily, Italy
2005 Dec 16 - Dec 22	Etna Bocca Nuova	1	Sicily, Italy
2004 Sep 7 - 2005 Mar 8	Etna SE Crater, SE flank (3000-2320 m)	1	Sicily, Italy
2004 Feb 12 - Feb 14	Etna Central Crater	1?	Sicily, Italy
2003 Mar 8 ±3 d. - Nov 9	Etna NE Crater	1	Sicily, Italy
2001 Dec 16 ±15 d. - 2003 Nov 9	Etna Central Crater, NE Crater	1	Sicily, Italy
2002 Oct 26 - 2003 Jan 28	Etna NE Rift (3100-1900 m), S flank (2850-2600 m)	3	Sicily, Italy
2002 Dec 30 (eruptive episode 2002 Dec 28 - Dec 30)	Stromboli	0	Eolian Islands, Italy		light	Info
2002 Dec 30: On 30 December at 1315 and 1322 two landslides suddenly formed along the Sciara del Fuoco. As they traveled down the volcano's flank they produced wet, fine ashfall (less than 0.1 mm in size) on the island's SE side. The first landslide had a volume of about 600,000 m3, the second about 5,000,000 m3, and they both reached the sea. Upon contact with the sea the landslides produced two tsunamis with waves that were several meters high. The tsunamis injured few people, and damaged buildings and boats in the villages of Stromboli and Ginostra. Large waves were reported as far away as the town of Milazzo, on Sicily's N coast, 60 km S of Stromboli... According to several news articles, volcanic activity at Stromboli on 30 December caused a landslide, which entered the sea and generated a tsunami. The articles stated that in the small village of Ginostra, waves injured six people, and damaged homes and boats. Residents and tourists were evacuated to nearby Sicily. (reference #2432) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2002 Oct 28 (eruption 2002 Oct 26 - 2003 Jan 28)	Etna	3	Sicily, Italy		moderate	Info
2002 Oct 28: Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI): 3. Lava Volume: 3.9±0.7x10⁷ m³. Tephra Volume: 4.5±0.5x10⁷ m³. Eruptive Characteristics: Radial fissure eruption, Explosive eruption, Lava flow(s), Damage (land, property, etc.), Evacuation. Weekly Report 23-29 October 2002: A relatively large eruption began at Etna on 27 October, following a series of ~200 small earthquakes the previous evening... Ditches were dug in an effort to control lava flows, but by the 29th they were completely covered by lava. Authorities also tried to control the flows by having planes douse the lava with water, causing the flows to cool and stagnate, but they continued to travel down the volcano's flanks. Authorities stressed that the popular ski town of Linguaglossa (6,000 residents), located ~15 km NE of Etna's summit, was not in danger of being engulfed by lava flows. As a precautionary measure ~50 residents were evacuated and schools were closed. By the 28th lava flows had destroyed several hotels, restaurants, a ski school, ski lift pylons, and power lines on the volcano's flanks. Ash fell in towns at the base of the volcano. Some streets in the town of Nicolosi, ~15 km S of the summit, were covered with a 5-cm-thick layer of ash. Weekly Report 11-17 December 2002: According to a Reuters news article, a lava flow that reached the Rifugio Sapienza tourist area on the evening of 16 December caused an explosion that destroyed a building and injured 32 people. The article stated that the exact cause of the explosion was unknown. (above from reference #2432) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2001 Oct 20 (eruption 1934 Feb 2 - ongoing)	Stromboli	2	Eolian Islands, Italy	1		Info
2001 Oct 20: Ejecta from a stronger than normal explosion impacted a tourist group at Pizzo Sopra la Fossa. One seriously injured woman fell into a coma and died two days later after being hospitalized. (reference #9675) Cited references #9675 Siebert, Lee, Tom Simkin, Paul Kimberly (2010): Fatalities & Evacuations, Volcanoes of the World, Third Edition, Geoscience Press, Inc., University of California Press, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., p. 329-347. Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2001 Jul 17 - Aug 9	Etna S to NE flanks (3100-2100 m)	2	Sicily, Italy
1994 Jun 17 - 2001 Aug 9	Etna Central Crater, NE Crater, SE Crater	3	Sicily, Italy
2001 Jul 26 (eruption 2001 Jul 17 - Aug 9)	Etna	2	Sicily, Italy		light	Info
2001 Jul 26: Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI): 2. Lava Volume: 2.5x10⁷ m,sup>3. Tephra Volume: 7.5±0.3x10⁶ m³. Eruptive Characteristics: Radial fissure eruption, Explosive eruption, Lava flow(s), Damage (land, property, etc.). Weekly Report 26-31 July 2001: On 26 July lava from the 2,500 m elevation fissure continued to flow towards Rifugio Sapienza tourist complex, and as of 31 July a cable car base station and a small tourist shop had been destroyed by lava that surpassed constructed earth barriers. (above from reference #2432) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K
2001 May 14 (eruption 1994 Jun 17 - 2001 Aug 9)	Etna	3	Sicily, Italy	1	light	Info
2001 May 14: Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI): 3, Lava Volume: 9.4x10⁷ m³. Tephra Volume: >1x10,sup>8 m³. Eruptive Characteristics: Central vent eruption, Radial fissure eruption, Explosive eruption, Pyroclastic flow(s), Lava flow(s), Lava dome extrusion, Damage (land, property, etc.) Weekly Report 16-22 May 2001: A Spanish tourist who visited the volcano alone has been missing since 14 May and is presumed dead. The remains of her tent were found on 18 May near the rim of Bocca Nuova crater. Local press sources reported that a rescue team found footprints leading from the tent to the rim of one of the two active pits within the crater, but no prints were found leading back from the pit. It is possible that the tourist was standing on the rim of the pit when a portion of it broke loose. (above from reference #2432) Cited references #2432 Venzke, E., R.W. Wunderman, L. McClelland, T. Simkin, J.F. Luhr, L. Siebert, and G. Mayberry (eds.) (2002-): Global Volcanism, 1968 to the Present. Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Digital Information Series, GVP-4 (http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/). Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K

Remark:

Our list of volcanic eruptions closely follows the database of eruptions of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Project (GVP), the internationally most recognized data source for volcanic eruptions, but also includes significant eruptive episodes or related volcano events. "Volcanic eruptions" are usually to be understood as sequences of individual eruptive episodes that can follow each other, or even overlap (if several vents are involved), and can last many years, decades or even longer. For example, the current activity of Stromboli volcano is understood as a single eruption that has been ongoing since 1934.

Sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Volcanic Eruptions Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K | Global Volcanism Project / Smithsonian Institution

Italy FAQ

+When was the last volcanic eruption in Italy?

The last volcanic eruption in Italy was from Etna volcano. It began in 2022 and is continuing (as of May 2025).

+When was the first documented volcanic eruption in Italy?

The first historically documented eruption occurred around 1500 BC from Etna volcano.

+How often do volcanoes in Italy erupt?

Since 1500 BC, Italy has seen at least 289 historically documented eruptions. This means that a volcano erupts on average every 12.2 years.

+How active are the volcanoes in Italy?

Italy is volcanically extremely active: Since 1900, at least 3 volcanoes in Italy have been active. Every year, at least one volcano has been in eruption in Italy. The latest eruption from Etna volcano volcano is still continuing at present.

+When was the largest volcanic eruption in Italy?

The largest eruption in Italy in historic times was from Vesuvius volcano. It occurred during 1631 AD - 1632 AD. It ranks as a plinian eruption with a magnitude 5 on the VEI (Volcanic Explosivity Index) scale. Eruption of this size are often catastrophic on a regional scale.

Latest earthquakes: Italy

In the past 7 days, Italy has had 2 quakes of magnitude 3.0 or above and 32 quakes between 2.0 and 3.0. There were also 571 quakes below magnitude 2.0 which people don't normally feel.

A magnitude 3.0 quake was felt in Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy .

Magnitude 3.0 Earthquake Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy widely felt -

Date and Time	Mag / Depth	Nearest Volcano / Location
May 21, 12:37 am (GMT +2)	3.0 12 km	464 km (288 mi) S of Cheb Basin volcanic area	20 km south of Trento, Province of Trente, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy I FELT IT - 53 reports	Info
Monday, May 19, 2025 GMT (2 quakes)
May 19, 02:41 pm (GMT +2)	2.5 3.6 km	359 km (223 mi) N of Colli Albani	16 km west of Ferrara, Provincia di Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna, Italy	Info
May 19, 12:32 pm (GMT +1)	3.3 10 km	288 km (179 mi) E of Vesuvius	Adriatic Sea, 84 km northeast of Bari, Bari, Apulia, Italy I FELT IT	Info
Friday, May 16, 2025 GMT (2 quakes)
May 16, 07:54 pm (GMT +2)	2.6 1.2 km	58 km (36 mi) N of Campi Flegrei (Phlegrean Fields)	31 km north of Caserta, Provincia di Caserta, Campania, Italy I FELT IT	Info
May 16, 11:25 am (GMT +2)	2.7 27 km	117 km (73 mi) SE of Campi Flegrei Mar Sicilia	Strait of Sicily, 65 km southwest of Gela, Italy	Info
Thursday, May 15, 2025 GMT (1 quake)
May 15, 06:49 am (GMT +2)	2.5 6.3 km	153 km (95 mi) NE of Vesuvius	Adriatic Sea, 14 km northwest of Sannicandro Garganico, Italy 1 report	Info

See Recent Quakes

Significant Earthquakes in Italy since 1900

The deadliest earthquake in Italy since 1900 was the magnitude 7.0 earthquake in

Italy, Sicily on Dec, 28, 1908. It resulted in 80,000 fatalities and an unknown number of injured people. Most casualties and damage resulted from the tsunami that followed the quake. The height of the tsunami waves reached 13 m (43 ft). This was the 19th deadliest quake known in history and the most disastrous quake in Italy ever recorded.
An unknown number houses and other buildings were destroyed and an unknown number damaged.

Date	Mag	Region	Deaths	Damage
2017 Jan 18	5.7	Farindola	34	heavy	Info
2016 Aug 24	6.2	Accumoli, Arquata, Amatrice	299	catastrophic	Info
2009 Apr 6	6.3	L'Aquila	309	catastrophic	Info
2002 Oct 31	5.7	San Guiliano Di Puglia, Campobasso	30	very heavy	Info
1980 Nov 23	6.9	Avellino, Potenza, Caserta, Naples	4,689	catastrophic	Info
1976 May 6	6.5	Ne, Balkans Nw Slovenia Nw	978	catastrophic	Info
1971 Feb 6	4.6	Tuscania	24	heavy	Info
1968 Jan 15	6.0	Sicily	216	very heavy	Info
1930 Jul 23	6.5	Irpinia	1,430	heavy	Info
1928 Mar 7	6.0	Sicily, Calabria	50-100 (*)	moderate	Info
1920 Sep 7	5.8	Carrara, Garfagnana	1,400	unknown	Info
1915 Jan 13	7.5	Marsica, Avezzano, Abruzzi	29,978	heavy	Info
1914 May 8	4.9	Catania, Etna	120	heavy	Info
1908 Dec 28	7.0	Messina, Sicily, Calabria	80,000	very heavy	Info
1907 Oct 23	5.9	Ferruzano	158	moderate	Info
1905 Sep 8	7.1	Monteleone, Tropea, Monte Poro	557	very heavy	Info

(*) Estimated numbers

Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K

All Quakes in History

Map

Oldest quakes (until 1960) are shown in yellow, most recent (from 2000) in red.

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Significant Earthquakes in Italy FAQ

+Which was the deadliest earthquake in Italy since 1900?

The deadliest earthquake in Italy since 1900 was the magnitude 7.0 earthquake in Italy, Sicily on Dec, 28, 1908. It resulted in 80,000 fatalities and an unknown number of injured people. Most casualties and damage resulted from the tsunami that followed the quake. The height of the tsunami waves reached 13 m (43 ft). This was the 19th deadliest quake known in history and the most disastrous quake in Italy ever recorded.

+Which was the earthquake that caused most damage in Italy since 1900?

The earthquake that caused most damage was the magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Italy, Campania on Nov, 23, 1980. It caused 4,689 fatalities and estimated $20 billion US Dollars (today's equivalent) in total economic damage.

+How many people were killed by earthquakes in Italy since 1900?

Since 1900, at least 45 earthquakes claimed an estimated total of 120,000 fatalities in Italy.

+How much damage did earthquakes cause in Italy since 1900?

There were 67 damaging or deadly quakes during this period that caused economic losses of approx. $56 billion US Dollars combined.

Recommended website

A jewel on the internet - the most comprehensive and informative website about Italy's volcanoes (and beyond), Dr. Boris Behcke's Italy's Volcanoes - www.italysvolcanoes.com

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Stromboli volcano (Italy) - Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report for 7 May-13 May 2025 (Continuing Activity)

The Sezione di Catania - Osservatorio Etneo (INGV) reported that eruptive activity continued at Stromboli during 5-11 May. Webcam images showed Strombolian activity at four vents in Area N within the upper part of the Sciara del Fuoco and from at least two vents in Area C-S (South-Central Crater) on the crater terrace. The vents in Area N continued to produce low- to medium-intensity explosions at a rate of 6-9 events per hour, ejecting lapilli and bombs less than 150 m above the vents. ... Read all

Wed, 14 May 2025, 14:00

Etna volcano (Italy) - Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report for 7 May-13 May 2025 (Continuing Activity)

The Sezione di Catania - Osservatorio Etneo (INGV) reported continuing eruptive activity at Etna's SE Crater and gas emissions at Bocca Nuova Crater, NE Crater, and Voragine during 5-11 May. Strombolian activity at SE Crater began in the late morning of 5 May, though weather clouds obscured visual observations. An eruption cloud drifted downwind and caused minor ashfall along the ENE flank reaching the town of Fiumefreddo di Sicilia, 19 km ENE. ... Read all