Earthquake in Catania. At 3.19 on the night of 26 December there was a very strong shock, of magnitude 4.8, localized by the Ingv of the Sicilian city on the eastern slope of Etna, 1.1 km south of Lavinaio (northwest of Acireale), with hypocenter only 1,2 km deep. The earthquake was also felt in Taormina, in the Syracuse area and in the Ragusa area.
THE AFTERSHOCKS
A few lower-intensity reruns then followed. At least 10 earthquakes have been recorded since midnight (considering only those of magnitude equal to or greater than 2), including one of magnitude 3.3 at 01:09 with its epicenter 4 kilometers north of Aci Sant'Antonio.
ETNA: MAGMA PUSHES ON THE WALLS
According to the experts, these are tremors linked to the current phase of activity of theEtna, after the Christmas eruption. In the last few hours, Etna has recorded a further surge in the values of the tremors of its internal magma ducts, a sign of the presence of great energy and moving magma that pushes on the walls of the volcanic edifice.
Zafferana right now.. very strong the #terremoto pic.twitter.com/ydGulfpbCA
— chrissss (@arivtears) 26 December 2018
#terremoto In the night strong seismic shock in the area of Zafferana Etnea near Catania. Patrols immediately sent for safety and relief efforts in the affected countries with @DPCgov e @emergencyvvf pic.twitter.com/sHogF5SXus
- Polizia di Stato (@poliziadistato) 26 December 2018
STROMBOLI ALSO WOKE UP
Stromboli responded, confirming the connection between the two Sicilian volcanoes, as stated by the Catanian volcanologist Salvatore Caffo. The Aeolian volcano has resumed throwing lapilli and the Civil Protection Department has ordered the passage of the alert level from "green", which corresponds to ordinary activity, to the "yellow" level, with the consequent activation of the operational phase of " attention” according to the provisions of the national emergency plan for the island of Stromboli.
THE INJURED
Due to last night's strongest earthquake, 10 people were injured, fortunately not seriously. This is what emerged from the two meetings held at 4.30 and 6 by the Rescue Coordination Center convened by the prefect of Catania, Claudio Sammartino.
Collapses in some fractions for the #Terremoto a #Catania. pic.twitter.com/J0VnXE4eap
— Moreno Mantilli (@MorenoMantilli) 26 December 2018
THE CATANIA-MESSINA HIGHWAY
Meanwhile, a section of the Catania-Messina motorway, the A18, was closed to traffic as a precaution, due to the presence of suspicious lesions on the asphalt that would have been created after the earthquake. The block is between the toll booths of Acireale and Giarre.
CATANIA AIRPORT
However, no consequences for the international airport of Catania. which remained open fully operational.
SCHOOLS AND GYMS TO WELCOME DISPLACED PEOPLE
Prefect Sammartino has opened municipal schools and gymnasiums to welcome people who cannot or do not want to return to their homes, because it is uninhabitable or out of fear. Assistance was delegated to the Red Cross.
#Terremoto, useful advice on what to do in case of further tremors. pic.twitter.com/WMjVfdVQlZ
— Italian Red Cross (@crocerossa) 26 December 2018
