Several structures, including Norcia's historic Basilica of St Benedict and the town hall, collapsed after an earthquake measuring 6.6 on the Richter scale hit Central Italy on Sunday, Reuters reported. No casualties have been reported so far. The quake originated 108 km under the earth's surface, 68 km from the city of Perugia.
The tremors were felt as far as Rome, and the country's border with Austria. Italy's civil protection department said there were "checks underway" in all affected towns, according to BBC. Italy sits on two fault lines, making it more susceptible to seismic activity than most countries in Europe.
Local authorities said structures that had been significantly affected in the devastating 6.2-magnitude earthquake in August had been damaged further. "This morning's quake has hit the few things that were left standing. We will have to start from scratch," said the deputy mayor of Arquata del Tronto, Michele Franchi.
The August temblor had caused widespread damage in Central Italy, leaving more than 300 people dead. At least 1,000 aftershocks have been felt since then, including two powerful ones on October 26.
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