Earthquake Shakes Salerno Province, Italy
A magnitude 4.5 earthquake struck near Montecorice, in the province of Salerno, Italy, early Saturday morning, February 21, 2026. The tremor occurred at 1:28 AM local time, according to the Seismic Room of the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) in Rome.
The earthquake’s hypocenter was located at a depth of approximately 319 kilometers (198 miles). This significant depth is believed to have limited the impact of the quake on the surface, despite its magnitude.
The tremor was felt across the Salerno area, particularly in coastal towns and inland areas between San Marco, Ogliastro, and Punta Licosa. Despite the widespread feeling of the earthquake, authorities have reported no damage to people or property as of this writing, and no requests for rescue services have been received.
Experts explain that earthquakes with very deep hypocenters, like this one, tend to dissipate much of their energy before reaching the surface. This reduces the risk of structural damage, even though the tremor can be felt over a wider geographical area. The depth of the quake is a key factor in why, despite its magnitude, it did not cause significant disruption.
The event caused moments of apprehension for residents who were awakened by the shaking. While the initial shock prompted concern, the lack of reported damage has provided reassurance to the community. Further updates will be provided as they become available.
