Earthquake in Palermo, strong tremors with epicenter in the sea: the strongest of magnitude 5.5

Three strong earthquakes in Palermo. The Sicilian capital was shaken by a first earthquake of magnitude 3.9 at 10.02 this morning and from that moment many earthquakes followed: some of low magnitude but more than ten with a value equal to or greater than 3. The heaviest arrived at 12.19, when the INGV recorded a shock of magnitude 5.5. As stated in a note from the Municipality of Palermo, the mayor Roberto Lagalla has made it known that "he is constantly following the evolution of the situation after the earthquake shocks felt in the city, keeping in contact with the competent bodies to monitor every possible consequence and coordinate any precautionary measures". At the moment there are no reports of damage or injuries.

Orange alert due to tsunami risk

The president of the Sicilian Region Renato Schifani is in constant contact with the general manager of the regional civil protection, Salvo Cocina, to follow the situation after the numerous earthquakes recorded in the southern Tyrrhenian Sea. No damage has been reported at this time. An orange alert has also been issued for tsunami risk, with an invitation to the population of the coastal areas concerned to follow the instructions of the Civil Protection. Contacts have already been activated with the mayors of the municipalities involved, while Cocina maintains contact with the prefects of Palermo and Messina. The Regional Civil Protection Operations Room follows the evolution of the situation and ensures coordination with the operational structures.

Civil Protection Chief: "Municipalities will have to verify building stability"

"There is an ongoing seismic sequence of over 10 earthquakes with the strongest having a magnitude of 5.5. At the moment, according to an initial reconnaissance, there is no damage. I have nevertheless sent a directive to the Municipalities with the invitation to check the most vulnerable structures and to also monitor the coast. In these cases there is also the risk of a tsunami, in fact the alert has been issued". Salvatore Cocina says so, director of civil protection of the Sicilian Region. "In the area, the Civil Protection volunteer organizations are already operational in order to assist the population and monitor them". Based on the data collected by the operations room, the earthquake was felt not only in Palermo and in dozens of centers in the province, but also in Trapani, in the province of Messina in Galati Mamertino, Leni, Lipari - Isola di Filicudi, Patti, Sant'Angelo di Brolo, Saponara.