The Department of Civil Protection has confirmed the yellow alert level for volcanic risk in the Campi Flegrei area, corresponding to phase 2 of “Attention”. The decision comes after the meeting of the Major Risks Commission – volcanic risk sector – and takes into account the latest updates on the state of the volcano and the new operational strategies approved at the end of October. But should we worry?
Not exactly. As the experts explain, the adoption of phase 2 does not indicate a sudden worsening of the situation, but is an enhanced prevention and monitoring measure, decided on the basis of the most recent scientific data.
In recent months, in fact, the observation network of the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) and the Civil Protection has recorded an intensification of bradyseism – the slow rising of the ground – and moderate seismic activity, phenomena which remain consistent with the current state of “attention”.
What phase 2 of Attention involves
With the yellow level, the continuous monitoring activities of the volcano, the analysis of geophysical and geochemical data, and the verification of local emergency plans are strengthened.
Furthermore, training and information initiatives for citizens are intensified, together with exercises in the area to test the readiness of civil protection systems.
The major national exercise will be held in the next few days, 5 and 6 November “Campi Flegrei 2025”organized by the Civil Protection and the Campania Region.
During the activity, assisted removal procedures will be simulated from three waiting areas of the Municipality of Naples and the functionality of the meeting area of the Port of Naples – Maritime Station will be tested.
The initiative follows that of last year (Exe Flegrei 2024) and represents a fundamental step in building a culture of shared security.
Why we shouldn’t be alarmed
The transition to phase 2 does not mean that the volcano is about to erupt, nor that there is an immediate risk for the population. This is a precautionary measure, which serves to maintain high attention and improve coordination between bodies, scientists and local institutions.
Today the monitoring system is among the most advanced in Europe: every slight variation in the parameters is analyzed in real time by a network of experts from INGV, the national Civil Protection and the Campania Region.
The Phlegraean area therefore remains one of the most complex, but also one of the most monitored in the world. The yellow alert level confirms that the volcano is active but in a phase of relative stability, in which the phenomena observed do not indicate the imminence of an eruption.
We don’t need alarmism, but realism and awareness: living with a volcano means understanding the risk and learning to live it with clarity.
