New 4.9-Magnitude Quake Hits Central Italy

A new 4.9-magnitude earthquake hit central Italy on Wednesday, just hours after a powerful temblor claimed the lives of at least 45 people in the region, the Italian Civil Protection Department said in a statement.

ROME (Sputnik) – According to the statement, the new quake occurred at 2 p.m. local time (12:00 GMT). Fluctuations were reportedly observed near the town of Arquata del Tronto, where another quake killed at least three people earlier in the day.

A 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck Italy's central regions at around 3:36 a.m. local time, resulting in serious damage and triggering aftershocks as strong as 5.5 in magnitude.

Overall during the day, about 20 aftershocks have been registered in Italy.