The quake, the strongest ever recorded in the area, forced hundreds of residents to flee their homes and seek shelter in tents or cars.

A women's prison near Naples was among the buildings evacuated as a precaution.  Major traffic jams were reported as people attempted to leave the area.

The epicenter of the quake was located near the Phlegraean Fields, a zone of ancient volcanic craters encompassing western Naples and its suburbs.

In 1984, a similar seismic event prompted the evacuation of 40,000 residents due to fears of an eruption, which ultimately did not occur. Italian authorities are currently monitoring the volcano for any signs of increased activity. (ILKHA)