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Powerful earthquake strikes Italy 'Several killed' in Italy quake
(10 minutes later)
At least two people have been killed in a powerful earthquake that struck central Italy, local media reports say. Several people are reported to have been killed in a powerful earthquake in central Italy.
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.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.
Television reports say two people died in the city of L'Aquila, where a number of buildings are said to have collapsed. Four children died in the city of L'Aquila when their house collapsed, and local media reports suggest there were at least two more deaths.
Television images showed rubble on the streets and a collapsed house. Television footage of L'Aquila showed a number of collapsed buildings.
A university residence and a church tower had also been damaged, Reuters news agency said. Rescue workers were reported to be on the scene. Rescue workers were reported to be on the scene.
L'Aquila is a medieval town with a number of old buildings. A university residence and a church tower had been damaged, Reuters news agency said, and there were reports of damage in surrounding towns.
L'Aquila, a medieval town of 70,000 inhabitants with a number of old buildings, is the capital of the mountainous Abruzzo region.
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 Geological Survey.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.
Have you been affected by the earthquake? You can send us your experiences using the form below:Have you been affected by the earthquake? You can send us your experiences using the form below:
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