Italy earthquakes: Widespread damage in historic towns

Historic buildings in central Italy have been badly damaged by two strong earthquakes that forced hundreds of residents out of their homes.

It was "miraculous" no deaths had been reported, Interior Minister Angelino Alfano said. Dozens of people were treated for shock or light injuries.

Rescue teams have been struggling to reach some areas but officials say the situation is not "catastrophic".

A quake rocked the same region in August, killing at least 298 people.

Wednesday evening's 5.5-magnitude quake struck near Visso in Macerata province, followed by a 6.1 magnitude tremor in the same area two hours later.

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The first tremor sent people running out of their houses, potentially saving lives when the second stronger quake struck. Numerous smaller aftershocks followed.

Image captionThe first earthquake was centred to the southwest of Visso, the second was closer to the west