Italy continues to experience aftershocks following 6.0 quake

With more aftershocks shaking the country, buildings continue to fall. Some 3,000 people have been evacuated to safety and rescuers search the rubble for more.

Digital Journal reported earlier today on the 6.0 magnitude earthquake which has struck northern Italy. At that stage, five people had been killed and fifty others injured. Much damage had occurred to buildings in the area. The total of dead has now risen to six and the initial earthquake, which occurred at 4:04 am (02:04 GMT) affected the cities of Mantua, Verona, Ferrara and Modena. The epicenter was registered near the township of Camposanto, at a relatively shallow depth of 10.1 km. The quake has since been followed by two powerful aftershocks of 5.1 and 4.7 magnitude in the same area. Around 10 hours after the initial quake a further aftershock of 4.5 magnitude struck near the town of San Felice sul Panaro. During the day around 3,000 people were evacuated from the area for safety. The latest aftershock happened around 12 hours after the initial earthquake at 5.1 magnitude and has caused yet more buildings to collapse. In the video above showing the areas hit by the earthquake, widespread damage can be seen to historic buildings with church towers cracked and falling and collapsed roofs. An eyewitness in Ferrara told Reuters, "It's in the Bologna-Ferrara area. There's been a bit of damage; some structures have come down with people in them." Lina Gardenghi of Bondeno near Ferrara said, "I am 83 and I have never felt anything like this." It is feared that people may be trapped underneath the rubble and rescue teams continue with their search. While Italy frequently experiences seismic movements, earthquakes and aftershocks of this magnitude are rare.