Strong Earth Quake Hit Italy

A powerful earthquake has struck central Italy, collapsing buildings in the same area where nearly 300 people died in a quake two months ago.

The quake is larger than August 24's deadly quake nearby, but many people had since fled the region, helping avoid a devastating death toll on Sunday.

The quake caused shaking in the capital Rome, where there were reports of cracks being seen in St Paul's basilica.

Authorities were checking for casualties among the fallen buildings in Norcia, famed for its Benedictine monastery and its cured meats.