A series of three strong earthquakes hit central Italy in the space of an hour on Wednesday, shaking the same region that suffered a series of deadly earthquakes last year and has been buried under more than a metre of snow in recent days.
There were no immediate reports of casualties but tremors were felt as far away as Rome, where the subway was closed as a precaution and parents were asked to pick up their children from schools.
The tremors hit Rome while Pope Francis was giving his weekly general audience in the Paul VI Hall in the Vatican. However, according to a CNS reporter, the tremors were not felt in the hall.
