RAVENNA – An earthquake of magnitude 4.6 has hit the North East coast of Italy causing minor damage and forcing schools to close, local authorities said on Tuesday.

 Striking shortly after midnight, the quake’s epicentre was 11 kilometres east of Ravenna and was also felt in Bologna, Marche and Veneto. 

 Three aftershocks of magnitude 3, recorded at 12:29am, shared an epicentre 9 kilometres from the resort town of Cervia.

 Frightened residents took to the streets, spending the night away from their homes. 

 Today, as a precautionary measure, schools in Ravenna remain closed while building safety checks are carried out.

 cc