Italy quake area hit by aftershocks

The area of Italy which was devastated by an earthquake is continuing to be hit by aftershocks.

Thousands of people are camping out in tents in San Giuliano di Puglia and nearby villages.

The aftershocks are adding to the misery of people following the quake which killed 29 people - including 26 children - who died when their school collapsed.

No injuries or damage were reported in the three pre-dawn tremors. The strongest had a 4.2 magnitude, said the National Institute of Geophysics and Vulcanology.

The aftershocks sent residents in Campobasso - the capital city of the hardest hit region, Molise - fleeing their homes.

They were also felt in tent camps set up across south-central Italy since Thursday's quake. More than 5,500 people are camping out following last week's 5.4 magnitude quake.

San Giuliano di Puglia, the village where the school collapsed, was evacuated on Friday following two strong aftershocks. All its 1,200 residents have been sleeping in tents on the outskirts of the town.

Prosecutors have opened an investigation to learn why the school collapsed, while nearby buildings remained standing. They said they would look into whether charges of negligence or manslaughter are warranted.

When the building came down on Thursday, nursery, elementary and middle school pupils and their teachers were celebrating Halloween.