ROME -- A strong earthquake has rocked a rural part of southern
Italy, sending panicked residents into the streets in the middle of the
night. Authorities reported no injuries or major damage.
The U.S.
Geological Survey said the quake had a magnitude of 5.3. The temblor
struck at 1:05 a.m. Friday (23:05 GMT Thursday), rattling small towns in
northern Calabria and southern Basilicata, in an area which includes
Pollino national park. Some houses suffered cracks.
Local
authorities said a hospital was evacuated as a precaution. Some mayors
ordered schools to be closed so experts could inspect for any damage.
The
area is prone to earthquakes. Seismologist Rita Di Giovambattista told
Sky TG24 TV that a series of much smaller tremors has rattled the area
since 2010.
Associated Press