Earthquake leaves 15,000 without homes

 Italy’s most powerful earthquake since 1980 has left more than 15,000 people homeless, according to the country’s civil protection agency. No-one was killed in Sunday’s 6.6-magnitude quake but 20 people were injured and there is extensive damage in and around Norcia. It struck near the central region where nearly 300 people were killed by a […]

 Italy’s most powerful earthquake since 1980 has left more than 15,000 people homeless, according to the country’s civil protection agency.

No-one was killed in Sunday’s 6.6-magnitude quake but 20 people were injured and there is extensive damage in and around Norcia. It struck near the central region where nearly 300 people were killed by a quake in August.

Prime Minister Matteo Renzi is due to chair a meeting of his cabinet to discuss emergency reconstruction. He said that Italy’s soul was unsettled. It was an “enormous relief” that no-one had died this time, he added.

Many of those affected are living with relatives or friends, but the civil protection agency said it was providing assistance to 15,000, with 10,000 accommodated in tents and converted sports halls. Thousands spent the night in their cars or under canvas.