An earthquake of magnitude 4.4 hit near the southern Italian city of Naples early on Thursday, damaging buildings and causing locals to flee into the streets. The earthquake occurred at 1:25 a.m. (0025 GMT) with its epicentre near the coastal town of Pozzuoli,

Many people in and around the Italian city spend the night on the streets and in their cars, fearing aftershocks.

Some left their homes for the streets and even stayed in their vehicles overnight after the quake hit at around 1.25am, causing minor damage and forcing 11 people to go to hospital.

Residents in Naples, Italy, are recovering after a 4.4 magnitude earthquake hit the city. It is the most powerful earthquake the area has seen in 40 years. NBC News' Ellison Barber has more on the shake.

Seismologists said the tremor struck overnight on Thursday and was felt in several parts of the Campania region.

Residents of Naples and its surrounding areas abandoned their homes and camped out in parks and cars after a 4.4 magnitude earthquake struck near the Italian city early Thursday morning, rattling nerves after weeks of intense seismic activity.

The southern Italian city of Naples was struck by a 4.4-magnitude quake early Thursday that caused only minor damage and sent 11 people to hospital, officials said.

A 4.4 magnitude earthquake struck the Naples Italy area at 1:25 a.m. local time Thursday, causing some building and car damage but no reported deaths. The quake hit in Campi Flegrei volcano basin.