Quake aftershocks shake Sicily

A series of aftershocks rattled Sicily today, even as government officials arrived to assess damage to Palermo’s historic buildings from last week’s strong earthquake.

The National Institute of Geophysics and Vulcanology reported more than 20 aftershocks today – the strongest ones registering 3.8 on the Richter Scale.

No damage or injuries were reported, although hundreds of islanders again poured out into the streets in fear overnight.

Friday’s 5.6 earthquake was the strongest to hit Sicily in 20 years. Two people died of heart attacks.

The quake damaged dozens of buildings in Palermo - most notably the historic Palazzo dei Normanni, the seat of the Sicilian parliament, and the baroque church of St Ann’s.