ASSISI, Italy (Reuter) - Fresh tremors hit central Italy on Tuesday, sending residents rushing out into the streets in panic and causing more damage to the 13th century Basilica of St Francis in Assisi. The first quake measured between 4.0 and 5.0 on the Richter scale. It was the fourth big quake in 12 days to have its epicentre near the village of Colfiorito and lasted between five and six seconds. No serious injuries or deaths were reported although there were several minor injuries. Masonry fell from inside the basilica and convent complex of St Francis of Assisi, which had already suffered damage in last month's tremors. Father Nicola Giandomenico, a spokesman for the basilica, told Reuters a hole had appeared on one of the tympanums of the the upper side wall of the historic upper part of the basilica. There was no apparent damage to the lower part of the basilica, where St Francis is buried. Apart from the three big quakes that have hit the area since September 25, there have been dozens of minor tremors and aftershocks. Some railway lines and electricity service was cut in several areas. People left homeless from the first quakes and living in tents in the areas woke up in panic after the first quake on Monday. Eleven people were killed on the first day of the quakes on September 26 and around 150 were reported injured in 48 villages and towns in the Appennine mountains. An estimated 130,000 people are still sleeping in cars, caravans and tents, either unable or afraid to return to their shattered homes.

Autor: RETUER