Northern and central Italy was rocked by a strong earthquake Tuesday morning; just 9 days after a powerful 6.0 tremor killed 7 people in the area. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the epicenter of the 5.8 magnitude earthquake was located in Modena province about 25 miles northwest of Bologna. Authorities say around 40 aftershocks, some with a magnitude above 5.0, followed the 9 a.m. tremor.
The towns of Cavezzo, Mirandola, Medolla, San Felice sul Panaro, Concordia and Finale Emilia reported extensive damages, including dozens of collapsed buildings. Authorities say many of the affected buildings had already been damaged in the May 20 earthquake. At least 10 people have been confirmed dead. The death toll is expected to rise as rescuers continue searching through rubble.
Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti promised a quick response to the disaster and urged residents to “have faith.” "The state will do all what needs to be done, in the quickest way, to assure the return to normal life to such a special and productive region of the country," Monti said in a statement.
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