5.4-magnitude earthquake hits Italy near site of deadly August quake

A 5.4 magnitude earthquake hit central Italy Wednesday, the US Geological Survey said, about 50 miles north of the site of a deadly quake in August that killed nearly 300 people.

The epicenter of Wednesday’s earthquake was south-southwest of Visso, Italy, and the initial depth is estimated at 10 kilometers (6 miles).

Visso is about 110 miles northeast of Rome, and 50 miles north of Amatrice, the small town that lost about 270 residents when a 6.2 magnitude quake hit August 24. Another 20 people were killed in nearby towns.

There have been no reports yet of damage or injuries.

“We don’t have any reported victims but we’re in the dark and under a downpour,” said the mayor of the small town of Castelsantangelo sul Nera, Mauro Falcucci, according to state news agency ANSA.

“We’re waiting for the Civil Protection Department to bring us lighting towers.”

CNN’s Barbie Nadeau was in Rome when the quake struck. “Incredible aftershock or earthquake felt in Testaccio in Rome. Wow,” she said on Twitter.

The quake hit at 7 p.m. (1 p.m. ET) between Perugia and Macerata, according to ANSA.

Check back regularly for more details on this developing story…

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