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Powerful earthquake strikes Italy Powerful earthquake strikes Italy
(10 minutes later)
An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.3 has struck central Italy. At least two people have been killed in a powerful earthquake that struck central Italy, local media reports say.
According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake struck at 0332 (0132GMT) about 95km (60 miles) north-east of the capital, Rome, at a depth of 10km. The magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck at 0332 (0132 GMT) about 95km (60 miles) north-east of the capital, Rome, at a depth of 10km.
Unconfirmed Italian media reports suggest two people may have been killed in the city of L'Aquila. A number of buildings are said to have collapsed. Television reports say two people died in the city of L'Aquila, where a number of buildings are said to have collapsed.
Television pictures showed rubble on the streets and at least one collapsed house. Television images showed rubble on the streets and a collapsed house.
A university residence and a church tower had also been damaged, Reuters news agency said. Rescue workers were reported to be on the scene.A university residence and a church tower had also been damaged, Reuters news agency said. Rescue workers were reported to be on the scene.
L'Aquila is a medieval town with a number of old buildings.L'Aquila is a medieval town with a number of old buildings.
Italian journalist Paulo Pacitti told the BBC that the city centre had been hard hit. "All the people are now on the road, queuing - trying to reach a safety area," he said.Italian journalist Paulo Pacitti told the BBC that the city centre had been hard hit. "All the people are now on the road, queuing - trying to reach a safety area," he said.
The earthquake was also felt in Rome; the BBC correspondent there said he was woken up by the shaking.The earthquake was also felt in Rome; the BBC correspondent there said he was woken up by the shaking.
An aftershock with a magnitude of 4.8 was reported about an hour later by the US agency. An aftershock with a magnitude of 4.8 was reported about an hour later by the US Geological Survey.
Two smaller earthquakes struck the same region of Italy on Sunday but caused no damage.Two smaller earthquakes struck the same region of Italy on Sunday but caused no damage.
Powerful earthquakes are relatively rare in Italy. In 1997, 13 people died when a strong earthquake struck its central region.Powerful earthquakes are relatively rare in Italy. In 1997, 13 people died when a strong earthquake struck its central region.


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