In Pisciarelli-Agnano, at least one nursery school had been evacuated already by 2.30pm when the largest tremor was felt by pupils, parents and residents.
The Director of the Vesuvius Observatory, Dr Francesca Bianco, has made an effort to calm fears among local residents as the tremors cause disruption to schools and local businesses.
Dr Bianco clearly took the view that in her capacity as Director of the Vesuvius Observatory, it was right to issue a statement that sought to clarify the situation for those residents who might have been affected.
In her statement, Dr Bianco suggested that nobody should be frightened by the tremors they might have felt over recent hours and that this situation – with earthquakes and tremors affecting the region – has been going on for a number of years.
She said: “This is a seismic swarm that started around 13.34pm and is still underway.
“So far we have detected approximately 30 events.
“The strongest earthquake occurred at 14.09pm with a magnitude of 2.4, and it was detected in the Solfatara-Pisciarelli area.
“This is a situation that has been going on since December 2012 and that does not frighten us.
“The Observatory constantly monitors the whole area affected.”
The Mayor of Pozzuoli also moved to reassure residents after tremors were felt across the town.
“The Observatory constantly monitors the whole area affected.”
The Mayor of Pozzuoli also moved to reassure residents after tremors were felt across the town.
Mayor Vincenzo Figlioli wrote on Facebook to communicate directly with his constituents, who have suffered a series of earthquakes in recent years.
He was keen to tell locals that he is in contact with the relevant bodies and that the situation is being closely monitored by authorities.
Mr Figlioli said: “A seismic swarm is underway.
“I am in contact with the Vesuvius Observatory, which invites us not to create alarm or panic.
“The Observatory is monitoring the activity to ensure our safety.
“This would be part of the dynamics of the yellow alert of the Phlegrean fields, in the normal activity of the territory.”
The Phlegrean area of the city was worst hit by the tremors according to reports – and the epicentre is thought to have been in nearby Pisciarelli-Agnano.
Additional reporting by Maria Ortega