6.6 magnitude earthquake strikes central Italy

Reuters

AP Photo

A powerful earthquake brought down numerous buildings across central Italy on Oct. 30, civil protection authorities have said, noting that emergency services were checking to see if there were any casualties.

The quake measured 6.6 according to the U.S. Geological Survey and was centered close to the Umbrian town of Norcia, where the historic Basilica of St. Benedict was badly damaged. 

The quakes come nearly two months after a major earthquake killed almost 300 people and destroyed several towns.