Earthquake hits north Italy killing over 15 people

North-eastern Italy suffered another earthquake today killing over 15 people just a week after a fatal tremor in the same region.

The 5.8-magnitude earthquake hit the Emilia Romagna region near the city of Modena causing buildings to topple, destroying houses and architecture including a 500-year-old cathedral.

Among the victims was a priest named Fr Ivo Martini who is suspected to have died after the roof of the church collapsed on him.

One employee at a factory in Mirandola was also reported dead after the building collapsed, one day after it had reopened following the earlier quake.

Deaths were also reported in San Felice sul Panaro, Concordia and Finale Emilia.

Rescuers were searching through collapsed structures after dozens of aftershocks were registered throughout the area, five of which were over four in magnitude.

The United States Geological Survey said the quake on Tuesday, at the depth of six miles, was centred 25 miles north-west of the city of Bologna and 36 miles east of Parma.

The 6.0-magnitude quake had affected the same area on 20^th May, killing seven people and injuring 50.

Around 7,000 locals are still living in tents and temporary accommodation after they fled their homes in the wake of first quake. Most of the houses have been destroyed and they are unable to return or are in too much fear to return.

The Italian prime minister, Mario Monti, tried to reassure the victims of the disaster, asking them to “have faith” in the rescue services while the elderly residents were offered individual advice by the authorities in Bologna as the region continues to suffer series of quakes of aftershocks.

Rajeeb Gurung