Strong earthquake strikes Italy again

(Baonghean.vn) - On October 30, a devastating 6.6-magnitude earthquake struck central and southern Italy, the same area where the August 2016 earthquake and several other tremors occurred last week. Many buildings collapsed and thousands of people were left homeless.

Photo: A view of a collapsed town from a distance. Getty Images

Geological research centers said the earthquake had a magnitude of about 6.6 on the Richter scale, was 10km deep, 132km northeast of Rome and 67km east of Perugia.

There have been no reports of fatalities so far, but there have been several injuries, according to the head of Italy's civil protection agency, Fabrizio Curcio. Authorities have sent helicopters to monitor the situation because roads are blocked by falling rocks.

The earthquake began at 7:40 a.m. local time. People quickly flocked to squares and streets.

Many residents have been sleeping in their cars or staying in motels, hotels and other areas since the Oct. 26 quake. More people are expected to be evacuated to the coast.

In the city of Norcia, the famous St. Benedict monastery has been “leveled” and monks are sending letters appealing for help.

Cities such as Camerino, Ussita, Arquata, Tolentino also suffered heavy damage due to collapsed buildings.

The earthquake was felt across the Italian peninsula, as far north as Bolzano, near the Austrian border, and as far south as Bari, in the Puglia region.

The rockfall caused traffic jams, including at several points on the Salaria Highway, one of the area's main routes.

Italian railways have been closed in Umbria and Le Marche as a precaution against possible accidents.

Thanh Hien

(According to AP)