Italy Earthquake Death Toll Climbs to 7

Buildings, including many historic ones, have been damaged by the deadly earthquake that hit Northern Italy. Photo by BBC

The number of victims from the deadly earthquake that struck Northern Italy in the early hours Sunday has risen to seven.

More than 50 were injured and the death toll is expected to grow since many are said to be buried under rubble.

Thousands of people were left homeless, spending the night in shelters and tents as aftershocks continue to hit the region. They were joined by others, who are afraid to return home.

The 6-magnitude on the Richter scale quake struck in the middle of the night, about 35km (22 miles) north of the city of Bologna. A 5.1 magnitude aftershock struck Sunday afternoon.

There is also widespread damage to buildings, including many historic ones. A large number of cars were crushed by falling masonry.

BBC reports Monday, citing local officials, that warehouses storing more than 300 000 wheels of Parmesan and Grana Padano cheese, with an estimated value of more than EUR 250 M, have also collapsed.

Sunday's earthquake was the worst to hit Italy since the L'Aquila tremor killed nearly 300 people in 2009.

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