In the red zone of the awakening Phlegraean Fields in Pozzuoli, Italy, an ancient menace is stirring. The dangerous volcano, known as the most perilous in Europe, is sending shock waves of fear through coastal communities as thousands of earthquakes rattle the area. With 2,000-year-old ruins rising from the earth due to hydrothermal force and the water line receding at the docks, residents are on high alert, keeping emergency bags packed in preparation for larger quakes or the devastating eruption that experts warn may be imminent.

Located just 25 miles from Mount Vesuvius, the Phlegraean Fields is estimated to be inhabited by nearly 80,000 people, with a total of 485,000 residing in the designated danger zone. Despite the ancient Romans viewing it as an entrance to Hell, some residents are hesitant to evacuate, while others have passionately advocated for relocation. This debate has now escalated within Italy's scientific community, highlighting the urgency and extent of the threat posed by this 8-mile-wide volcano.

Scientists have observed a measurable rise of the ground by 2 cm a month, causing anxiety among experts. While there is currently no indication of a sudden magma surge signaling an imminent eruption, volcanic events remain highly unpredictable. The Phlegraean Fields, with its explosive potential, pose a greater threat than the catastrophic destruction caused by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, which engulfed Pompeii.

One researcher, Giuseppe Mastrolorenzo, a senior researcher with Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, has been engaged in a public confrontation with the agency he serves, arguing that they are not taking the threat seriously enough. Mastrolorenzo paints a grim picture of a worst-case scenario, describing a deep fissure opening in the earth, spewing noxious gas, ash, and pyroclastic material into the air, creating a terrifying mushroom cloud. He warns that even a smaller but strong eruption could devastate the entire metropolitan area of Naples, with its 3 million inhabitants.

However, some authorities, including Pozzuoli's Mayor Luigi Manzoni, downplay the severity of the threat, asserting that it can be managed without widespread evacuation. The national government has sent mixed signals, imposing a temporary construction ban but also endorsing a billion-euro redevelopment project in the at-risk waterfront area. This conflicting messaging has left residents uncertain about the best course of action.

Italy is no stranger to volcanic activity, and with minor eruptions occurring on the southern island of Stromboli and Mount Etna in Sicily, people have become accustomed to occasional inconveniences rather than widespread panic. Nevertheless, the Phlegraean Fields, with its devastating eruption history dating back 39,000 years, continues to pose a major concern.

Uncertainty surrounds the level of warning residents would receive if an eruption were imminent. While historical evidence suggests that ancient residents had days or even weeks to evacuate during previous eruptions, there are concerns that a future eruption may provide only a few hours' notice, leaving the densely populated metropolitan area of Naples ill-prepared for mass evacuation.

As the ground continues to rise and seismic activity persists, citizen groups are calling for more transparency and action from both local and national governments. They accuse the authorities of downplaying the threat due to economic concerns, while highlighting the urgent need for repairs, aid, and relocation assistance for affected residents.

With a volatile volcanic giant on their doorstep, residents of the Phlegraean Fields grapple with an uncertain future. Whether they choose to stay and face the potential catastrophe or heed the warnings and evacuate remains a difficult decision. As the debate continues, one thing is clear - the ominous presence of the Phlegraean Fields demands immediate attention and preparedness from all stakeholders involved.

Note: This article is generated by an AI assistant and may not reflect the views and opinions of human journalists.