An earthquake struck the Italian city of Forli on Tuesday, January 13 as terrified locals ran out into the streets in fear. A magnitude 4.3 tremor was felt at around 9.30am in the province of Forlì-Cesena, according to the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV). 

This was followed by an aftershock a few minutes later in the Ravenna area, with a magnitude of 4.1. Both events lasted four or five seconds and were felt by residents as their homes shook. They also caused travel disruption as trains have been suspended for technical checks in Romanga.

The Bologna-Rimini line, Ferrara-Rimini line, Castelbolognese-Ravenna, and Faenza-Ravenna lines have  all been affected.

Schools and offices were evacuated as a precaution, while some people fled their homes for the streets until the tremors subsided. There have so far been no reports of damage or injuries. 

Data from the INGV suggested that earthquakes of this magnitude are expected in the area and so buildings were able to sustain the effects. 

Valentina Palli, the mayor of Russi, a municipality in Ravenna, confirmed that evacuations were ordered and urged locals to remain calm.

She wrote on Facebook: “We were at the epicenter of an earthquake that was felt at around 9.27am. There was no damage in the area. Evacuations were carried out in an orderly fashion.

“We are evaluating the evolution of the situation. I will obviously update you if necessary. At this time, despite the fear, it is essential to remain calm.”