5.9 magnitude earthquake strikes near Bologna, Italy

Damage to the town hall of Sant' Agostino near Ferrara from a powerful earthquake in northern Italy

A 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck near Bologna, Italy, on Sunday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The quake, which initially registered at magnitude 6.3, was centered 22 miles (35 km) north-northwest of Bologna in northern Italy at a relatively shallow depth of 6.3 miles (10 km), the USGS said.

The last major earthquake to hit Italy was a 6.3 magnitude quake in the central Italian city of L`Aquila in 2009, killing nearly 300 people. 

In January, a 5.3-magnitude quake in northern Italy was felt in Genoa, Bologna, Turin and Italy`s financial capital, Milan.

Source: ANTARA