A powerful earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale — with some readings reporting up to 6.3 — struck southern Italy near Naples at 11:03 p.m. local time on Monday, March 9, 2026 (1:03 a.m. Tuesday, March 10, Greek time). According to Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), the epicenter was located approximately 10 kilometers west of the island of Capri, about 68 kilometers north of Naples and 14 kilometers northeast of the town of Pietramelara in the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Deep-Focus Event
The quake’s focal depth was estimated at 414 kilometers — classifying it as a deep-focus earthquake, which typically causes less surface shaking and reduced damage compared to shallower quakes of similar magnitude.
No Casualties or Major Damage Reported So Far
As of the latest reports, there are no confirmed injuries or significant structural damages. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
Seismically Active Region
The area lies within the Apennine mountain range — a geologically active zone shaped by the ongoing collision of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates. This makes the Italian peninsula particularly prone to seismic activity.