A 5.1 magnitude earthquake rattled the region off the coast of Calabria this morning, affecting both Italy and Malta.
Authorities noted a widespread sense of fear following the earthquake, with individuals recounting being jolted awake. Fortunately, there have been no indications of injuries or significant destruction thus far.
Residents in various areas of Malta and Gozo experienced the tremors, as per local news sources. Inhabitants from Marsascala, Mġarr, Valletta, St Julian’s, Sliema, Kirkop, St Paul’s Bay, and Birkirkara were abruptly awakened from their slumber.
Emergency hotlines in Italy and Malta were inundated with calls in the aftermath of the morning quake. Nevertheless, there have been no reports of injuries or property damage at this point.
Notably, this recent seismic event is not the first to affect Calabria in the recent past. On January 7, a minor tremor struck the northern part of the region, with another felt on January 6 in the southwestern area.
Domenico Costarella, the head of the Calabria Region’s Civil Protection Department, informed Sky TG24 that residents distinctly felt the earthquake. However, as of now, there have been no accounts of any damages.
The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology indicated that the epicenter was located off the Ionian coast at a depth of 65km. Reports from Times of Malta highlighted how individuals across the island were startled awake by the shaking.
The earthquake took place off the southern tip of Italy shortly before 6 am local time today, causing tremors in various parts of Italy and Malta.
