Emilia-Romagna earthquake

An earthquake of magnitude 6.0 struck the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy in the early hours of Sunday morning. The centre of the quake was located 22 miles north of Bologna, but the subsequent aftershock of magnitude 5.1 was felt in Milan and Venice. At least 7 people have been killed, with many more injured. 

Northern Italy frequently suffers from minor tremors, but the destruction resulting from those that took place this weekend is particularly devastating. Several historic buildings have partly or entirely collapsed as a result of the quake, causing "significant damage to the cultural heritage" of the region, the local council stated. Italy's cultural ministry also released a statement revealing that, "damage to cultural patrimony appears significant." Palazzo dei Veneziani and the Castello delle Rocche in the town of Finale Emilia were badly damaged; "A thousand years of history disappears just like that," mayor Fernando Ferioli told press. 

The search for survivors continues, with emergency response teams clearing rubble and re-housing those left homeless by the quake.