**Vesuvius is ‘waking up’: Is a super-eruption imminent?**
Under the bright sunshine of southern Italy, a silent giant is stirring. Vesuvius – one of the most famous volcanoes in history – is showing signs of ‘waking up’ after a long period of dormancy. In the past few days alone, the area has recorded more than 100 small earthquakes – a sign that should not be ignored.
At first, the tremors may seem insignificant, just a slight shaking under the feet of the people of Naples. But to geologists, this could be a sign of something more dangerous brewing underground. Nearly 2,000 years ago, Vesuvius covered Pompeii in ash and lava. Today, more than 3 million people live within its influence.
If Vesuvius were to erupt again, what would the consequences be? Could this disaster be even more devastating than 79 AD?
Vesuvius is a stratovolcano, formed by layers of lava, volcanic rock and ash that have accumulated over thousands of years. It is located near the Gulf of Naples, on the geological boundary where the African tectonic plate is sliding under the Eurasian plate. This is one of the most seismically and volcanically active regions in Europe.
Beneath Vesuvius lies a large, dynamic magma chamber, constantly being fed with material from deep within the Earth. What makes it particularly dangerous is its tendency to erupt violently due to its gas-rich, high-pressure magma. Vesuvius eruptions tend to be rapid, ejecting pyroclastic flows, ash columns and lava.
Vesuvius has erupted at least 30 times since the 79 event. Other major eruptions occurred in 1631 (killing 4,000 people), 1794, 1822, and most recently in 1944 – during World War II.
From late 2023 to early 2025, the area around Vesuvius has been experiencing small earthquakes, often occurring at depths of just a few kilometers. This is typical of magma movement. Although it has not caused any damage, the high frequency has scientists worried.
Meanwhile, 30 kilometers to the west, the Campi Flegrei caldera – another complex volcanic system – is also very active, with a 4.4 magnitude earthquake in March 2025, the strongest in more than 40 years. Some geophysicists believe the two volcanic systems may be connected underground, although there is no clear evidence yet.
Scientists are closely monitoring Vesuvius using seismometers, GPS, and satellite radar. Data shows that the ground near the volcano is swelling slightly – a sign of magma accumulation. Emissions of CO₂ and SO₂ are also increasing, suggesting increased seismic activity.
However, not all increased seismicity leads to eruptions. Sometimes magma just rises and then stops. But with a population of up to 3 million people around the area – including the city of Naples – all possibilities must be considered.
The Italian government has established a red zone around Vesuvius, comprising 25 towns and about 700,000 residents that would be evacuated at a warning. But evacuating that many people over several days is a major challenge. A major eruption could cause economic damage of more than 25 billion euros, paralyze transport, contaminate water supplies, and threaten tens of thousands of lives if a response is delayed.
Although Vesuvius has not erupted yet, the increased seismic activity is a sobering warning. History has shown that the volcano can “sleep” for a long time and then suddenly awaken with devastating force. In the age of modern technology, we have the tools to prepare, but do we have the determination, the organizational capacity, and the public awareness to act in time?
Whether Vesuvius continues to sleep or wakes up next month, one thing is certain: the ground in southern Italy is stirring, and the world should not ignore it.
