Earthquake Swarm Hits Catanzaro Area in Italy
Listen to the story
An earthquake swarm has hit the province of Catanzaro, in the Calabria region of southern Italy. An earthquake swarm is a series of small earthquakes that happen close together in time and place.
According to reports, nine tremors were recorded in just four hours. Tremors are shakes in the ground caused by movement under the earth's surface.
The strongest tremor reached a magnitude of 3.5. Magnitude is a scale used to measure the strength of an earthquake.
This strongest quake was recorded near the town of Squillace. Squillace is a small town located in the Calabria region.
Calabria sits in an area known for seismic activity, meaning it experiences earthquakes more often than many other parts of Italy.
No injuries or damage have been reported so far, based on the information available. Experts continue to monitor the area closely.
Authorities often watch earthquake swarms carefully, since they can sometimes come before a larger earthquake, although this does not always happen.
Residents in the affected towns may have felt some of the tremors, though the summary does not include further details about the impact on daily life.
Vocabulary5 words
- earthquake swarm
- many small earthquakes happening close together in time
- tremors
- small shakes in the ground
- magnitude
- a number showing how strong an earthquake is
- seismic activity
- movement of the earth that causes earthquakes
- monitor
- to watch something carefully over time
Quiz
Answer key
1. Many small earthquakes close together in time 2. Squillace 3. False
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
An _____ swarm has hit the province of Catanzaro, in the _____ region of southern Italy.
Nine _____ were recorded in just four hours.
The strongest tremor reached a _____ of 3.5.
This strongest quake was recorded near the town of _____.
Calabria sits in an area known for _____ activity.
No injuries or damage have been _____ so far.
Experts continue to _____ the area closely.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever experienced an earthquake or felt the ground shake? What was it like?
- Why do you think some regions, like Calabria, have more earthquakes than others?
- Do you think small earthquake swarms should worry people, or are they usually harmless?
- What steps can people take to stay safe during an earthquake?