Related Information Earthquake Archives Earthquake FAQ

Headlines • Magnitude 7.6 - PAKISTAN, October 8, 2005 • Magnitude 6.1 Near the South Coast of Honshu, Japan, July 23, 2005 • Yet Another, 6.7 Quake Off The Coast Of Northern California, June 16, 2005 • 3rd Quake To Strike California This Week, June 16, 2005 • Tsunami Warning Cancelled After Magnitude 7.2 Off the Coast of Northern California, June 15, 2005 • Magnitude 8.7 - Northern Sumatra, Indonesia, March 28, 2005 • Earthquake Down Under - Magnitude 7.1 rattles Indonesia and Australia, March 2, 2005 • Worlds Strongest Quake in 40 Years Strikes Northern Sumatra: Tsunami Deal Toll Approaching 300,000, December 26, 2004 • Magnitude 7.0 - Hokkaido, Japan Rregion, November 28, 2004 • Magnitude 7.2 - Papua, Indonesia, November 26, 2004 • Magnitude 7.1 - Off West Coast Of The South Island, N.Z., November 22, 2004

Italy's south-central Molise region has been struck in rapid succession by two moderate earthquakes. Thursday morning, 10/31/02, a magnitude 5.4 struck, causing tragic loss of life. The next day, Friday, another quake struck, this time magnitude 5.3.

In the medieval town of San Giuliano di Puglia, a farming town of 1200, the populace is in grief and dismay. Thursday's tremor knocked down the school. The entire class of 6 year old children were killed including the daughter of the town's Mayor, Antonio Borrelli. The death toll now stands at 29 including three adults The collapsed building was constructed in the 1950's, 800 years newer than many of the town's buildings.. Reportedly the school was poorly built.

Teacher Clementina Simone may have saved the lives of another 16 children with whom she was trapped under the rubble for two hours. Teacher Simone managed to get her students under their benches just before the stones started falling.

In the nearby town of Castellino del Biferno, a church partially collapsed. There are reports of two injured there.

Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi called to convey Italy's condolences to Mayor Antonio Borrelli.