Northern Italy was jolted by a strong earthquake early morning of Sunday, May 20, 2012 (local time) resulting to the death of at least six (6) people and the destruction of buildings.
Background
The Northern Italy was hit by a 5.4 magnitude earthquake in the late January, 2012 slightly damaged buildings but there was no reported death.
The May 28, 2012 Quake
On Tuesday, May 28, 2012 at 9AM (local time), a 5.8 magnitude earthquake hit Northern Italy again. This is the area hit by the May 20 quakes. The epicenter of the quake is in 25 miles northwest of the central city of Bologna and it is felt from Piedmont in northwestern Italy to Venice in the northeast, and as far north as Austria.
It was reported that there are at least 10 people died and many are missing, buried under rubble.
The May 20, 2012 Quake
As early as 4AM on May 20, 2012, the 6 magnitude earthquake struck Italy’s Modena and Mantova. The epicenter is at the area between the towns of Finale Emilia, San Felice sul Panaro and Sermide. The jolting was even felt in Tuscany.
There are at least six (6) people were reportedly died and at least 50 people were injured.
One of the reported casualties was found under the rubble. Another one died when the factory he was working collapsed. One victim died of heart attack during evacuation.
However, there are reports that dozens of people are buried under rubble.
Authorities are still assessing the damage on properties caused by the quake.
May 20, 2012 Aftershocks
The 6.0 magnitude quake was followed by two more strong quakes:
- 5.1 magnitude quake jolted same region an hour after the first quake.
- After few hours, another 4.1 magnitude quake was felt.
References
- Earthquake Hits Northern Italy
- At least 6 dead after quake rocks northern Italy
- Four killed in northern Italy earthquake
- Italy hit by another deadly earthquake