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The medieval basilica erected in St Benedict's name was almost completely destroyed
The medieval basilica erected in St Benedict's name was almost completely destroyed

Italy reels after fourth earthquake in months

Towns and villages in central Italy have been hit by an earthquake for the fourth time in three months.

The 6.6-magnitude quake - Italy's strongest in decades - struck close to the region where nearly 300 people were killed by a quake in August.

This time no-one appears to have died, but about 20 people were injured.

The medieval basilica of St Benedict in Norcia, the town closest to the epicentre, was among buildings destroyed.

An evacuation of buildings in the region deemed vulnerable to seismic activity last week, following strong aftershocks from August's quake, may have saved lives.

Tremors from this latest earthquake were felt in the capital Rome, where the Metro system was shut down, and as far away as Venice in the north.

The head of the national civil protection agency, Fabrizio Curcio, said there had been extensive damage to many historic buildings but no deaths had been registered.

"About 20 people are injured. As far as people are concerned, the situation is positive, but many buildings are in a critical state in historic centres and there are problems with electricity and water supplies," he added.

Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has promised that everything will be rebuilt, saying resources will be found.

"We are going through a really tough period," he said. "We must not allow the profound pain, fatigue and stress that we have now to turn into resignation."

Pope Francis mentioned the quake in his Sunday blessing in Rome's St Peter's Square.

"I'm praying for the injured and the families who have suffered the most damage, as well as for rescue and first-aid workers," he said to loud applause.

 

Italy's most violent earthquakes since 1900

October 2016 - Norcia, central Italy, magnitude 6.6, no deaths reported so far

November 1980 - Campania, southern Italy (Naples badly hit), magnitude 6.9, up to 5,000 killed

July 1930 - Irpinia, Campania, magnitude 6.6, 1,400 killed

January 1915 - L'Aquila, magnitude 6.7, more than 30,000 killed

December 1908 - Strait of Messina, magnitude 7.1, up to 200,000 killed by earthquake and tsunami

September 1905 - Calabria, magnitude 7.2, up to 2,500 killed by tsunami

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