Multiple quakes hit central Italy, tremors felt in Rome

By Baris Seckin

ROME (AA) - Central Italy was struck Wednesday by three earthquakes ranging in magnitude from 5.3 to 5.4 on the Richter scale, according to the country's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology.

The agency said the epicenter of the quakes was between the provinces of L’Aquila and Rieti, 80 to 90 kilometers east and northeast of Rome, respectively.

No casualties have been reported after the incident which caused material damage to some buildings.

Following the quakes, the underground metro system in Rome -- where the tremors were felt -- was shut as a precaution.

Last year on Aug. 24, a 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck Accumoli village in central Italy, killing a total of 300 people.