An earthquake near Naples in southern Italy has left more than 20 people injured.

According to the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) of Italy, a magnitude 4.7 earthquake occurred west of Naples at around 7:46 p.m. on July 31 local time.

The epicenter was located at 40.83 degrees north latitude and 14.14 degrees east longitude, with an estimated focal depth of 3 kilometers.

AFP reported that several aftershocks have been observed following the earthquake.

Italian authorities stated that 26 people were injured in the quake, with damages reported, including the collapse of several vacant buildings and landslides.

The Naples area is a seismically active region, home to Mount Vesuvius, the largest active volcano in mainland Europe.

Lorenzo Benedetto, president of the Campania Geological Society, assessed that "this earthquake was the strongest among those that have occurred in the Phlegrean Fields over the past 40 years."

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)