Italy experienced its strongest earthquake in 36 years when a quake of 6.6 magnitude hit the country on Sunday. The epicenter was recorded 6 kilometers north of Norcia, central Italy.
Although no one was killed, people are still recovering from 300 deaths caused by the massive earthquake last August. Apart from these, Italy also witnessed a series of aftershocks on October 26, but the 6.6 magnitude one was the strongest of them all.
Italy's Civil Protection agency has provided shelters to over 15,000 people after the catastrophe. The agency was already undertaking the massive task of re-sheltering the August earthquake victims.
According to CNN, around 10,000 people had been relocated in various emergency centres of Umbria and Marche regions, and more than 4,500 people were shifted to hotels on the Adriatic Coast and around Lake Trasimeno.
Italy's centuries old historical infrastructures suffered a terrible hit with this earthquake. Two major historical churches in Norcia were turned into ruins, the 14th century Basilica of St. Benedict and the 16th century Cathedral of St. Mary Argentea. Along with these, the 15th century Church of Saint Agostino was also destroyed.
Sites which weren't completely demolished received partial damages. The basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, consecrated in 4th century suffered cracks in several places and is currently closed down. Built in 17th century, a proud masterpiece of Baroque architecture by the architect Francesco Borromini, the Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza church in Rome also suffered some damage in the quake.
Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi released a newsletter assuring that rebuilding process has started and it will go smoothly. "We don't have a problem of resources," Renzi said on Sunday. "Whatever is needed to rebuild not just homes but also churches and commercial activities, we are committed to putting it in the field."
