Rome officials debunk prediction of earthquake today

Italian officials are doing their best to calm fears about an earthquake hitting Rome.

A seismologist who died in 1979 apparently predicted there would be a devastating quake in the Italian capital today.

Raffaele Bendandi's forecast is understood to have forced thousands to take the day off work and flee the city.

The country's Civil Protection department's responded by circulating an information pack saying Rome is not at risk.