Strong earthquake hits central Italy
I
ROME (Reuters) – An earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale rocked central Italy on Monday and was felt in the capital Rome, but there was no immediate word of casualties or damage.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the epicenter of the quake, which struck in the early hours at about 0235 GMT, was believed to be some 53 miles northeast of Rome. It initially put the scale of the quake at 6.7 but later lowered it 6.3
Some residents of Rome, which is rarely hit by seismic activity, were woken by the quake.
Earthquakes can be particularly dangerous in parts of Italy where centuries-old buildings are left in disrepair.
© Thomson Reuters 2009 All rights reserved
