Earthquake strikes central Italy

(BBC) A magnitude 6.2 earthquake has struck central Italy, south of the city of Perugia, the US Geological Survey says, with the shock also felt in Rome.

The quake hit at 03:36 (01:36 GMT), 76 km (47 miles) southeast of the city, at the very shallow depth of 10km (six miles), the USGS said.

In Rome, some buildings shook for 20 seconds, according to La Repubblica newspaper.

So far, there are no reports of damage or casualties.

The prime minister’s office said the government was in touch with regional heads of the civil protection agency.

The quake was initially reported as being magnitude 6.4.