Several dead in new quake in northern Italy

18:57, 29 May 2012

PARIS. May 29. KAZINFORM Northern Italy has been struck by a new earthquake, nine days after a fatal tremor hit the same region.

Latest reports say at least 10 people have died and many others have been injured.

The quake measuring 5.8 struck near Modena, about 60 kilometres east of Parma, and was felt across much of northern and central Italy, the euronews reports.

The tremor on May 20 killed seven people and destroyed hundreds of buildings, including ancient churches and castles.

The latest quake caused panic among those still living in tents from the earlier tremor. Italian media said it caused more buildings which had been damaged to collapse.

The mayor of one town said some people were stuck under rubble.

People are reported dead in several different areas. Three people died when an industrial shed fell in.

The phone network in some areas is said to have gone down due to the number of emergency calls.

Rail services in parts of the north have been suspended to allow damage to be inspected. Schools and other public buildings as far south as Florence have been evacuated.