Earthquake forces residents to camp on streets in Naples, Italy

An earthquake that shook the Italian city of Naples has forced many residents in and around the area to spend the night camping on streets and sleeping in their cars.

The 4.4 magnitude tremor struck the coast between Pozzuoli and Bagnoli at 1:25 am local time (8.25 pm EST) on the night of March 12. The quake was felt across Naples and in several areas of the Campania region. However, there has been no sign of an eruption at the nearby Mount Vesuvius.

The earthquake was the biggest in the Campi Flegrei region for 40 years, and was followed by six weaker aftershocks. It caused buildings to shake and rubble to crash down, although the full extent of the damage is still unknown.

The prospect of an earthquake is a terrifying one for many of us, and it seems like there have been a lot more in recent years. But is the frequency increasing? And, if so, is climate change a contributing factor?

Click on the following gallery for these answers and more.