Earthquake reported near Rome's coast, no damage caused

August 22, 2005

On Monday in Italy at 14:02 Italian local time, an earthquake was registered at 4.5 on the Richter scale epicentered in the sea near Rome. Some residents of Rome and surrounding towns who felt the quake went out into city streets to avoid any possible serious destruction or to discuss the tremor with neighbours.

No serious damage has been reported and due to the relatively small magnitude of the quake minimal structural damage to ancient Roman monuments is believed to have occurred. Structural inspections are being made to ensure safety and stability of the historic landmarks.