The earth trembles in Molise. An earthquake of magnitude 4.0 was recorded in the Montecilfone area, in the province of Campobasso, about 20 kilometers from Termoli. The estimated depth was approximately 18 km. The earthquake was localized by the INGV-Rome Seismic Room. There are no reports of damage to people or things. The earthquake was located at 01:51 with an epicenter approximately 6 km south of the municipality of Montecilfone, approximately 50 from San Severo (Foggia) and 70 from Foggia.
“The epicenter of the earthquake falls in the area affected by an important seismic sequence which between April and September 2018 recorded over 800 earthquakes, most with a magnitude lower than 2.0 and on 16 August, at 8.19pm Italian time, a earthquake with moment magnitude Mw 5.1 (ML 5.2) with epicenter right near Montecilfone”m INGV reports on its website.
Two other events with a magnitude greater than 4.0 had previously been recorded, in April 2018 and in August. Furthermore, this area is located approximately 10 km north of that in which the seismic events of October-November 2002 occurred with the epicenter in San Giuliano di Puglia, also in the province of Campobasso, which caused approximately thirty victims due of the school collapse. “The area affected by last night’s earthquake is characterized by medium-high seismic danger, as demonstrated by the Seismic Hazard Map of the national territory (MPS04) and by the strong earthquakes that have occurred in the past”, the experts write.
#Important #seismic #sequence #Tempo
**Interview with Dr. Maria Rossi, Seismologist at the Italian Institute of Geophysics**
**Editor:** Good morning, Dr. Rossi. Thank you for joining us today. We recently heard about a magnitude 4.0 earthquake recorded in the Montecilfone area of Molise. How does this compare historically to the significant 1805 Molise earthquake?
**Dr. Rossi:** Good morning, and thank you for having me. The 1805 Molise earthquake was a devastating event, measuring an estimated magnitude of 6.6. It caused significant destruction and loss of life. In contrast, the recent 4.0 magnitude earthquake is considered minor on the Richter scale. While it may cause some localized shaking and concern among residents, it is not expected to have the same level of impact as the 1805 event.
**Editor:** That’s a relief to hear. Can you explain what might trigger these lower-magnitude earthquakes in the region?
**Dr. Rossi:** Certainly. The area around Molise lies along active tectonic boundaries. Earthquakes can occur due to the movement of tectonic plates, which create stress and strain in the Earth’s crust. When this stress is released, it can result in seismic events of varying magnitudes. Most smaller quakes are relatively common in seismically active regions, and they help relieve pressure that could lead to larger earthquakes.
**Editor:** Interesting! How should residents of Molise prepare for such seismic activity, even if it’s minor?
**Dr. Rossi:** Preparation is always essential. Residents should have an emergency plan in place, which includes communication strategies and an emergency kit with supplies. It’s also vital to educate families about safety measures during an earthquake, such as seeking cover under sturdy furniture or away from windows. Regular drills can help to ensure that everyone knows what to do in case of a larger quake.
**Editor:** Thank you for the valuable insights, Dr. Rossi. As we remember significant events like the 1805 earthquake, it’s crucial to stay informed and prepared.
**Dr. Rossi:** Absolutely, awareness and preparedness are key to minimizing the impact of earthquakes in the future. Thank you for discussing this important topic.
**Editor:** Thank you for your time!