A 5.1 magnitude earthquake hit the Calabria coast this morning, affecting Italy and Malta. Authorities noted a sense of fear among the population, with people reporting being awakened by the tremors. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries or significant damage so far.
Residents in various areas of Malta and Gozo experienced the earthquake, as reported by local news sources. Inhabitants of Marsascala, Mġarr, Valletta, St Julian’s, Sliema, Kirkop, St Paul’s Bay, and Birkirkara were disturbed from their sleep.
Emergency services in Italy and Malta received numerous calls following the earthquake, but there have been no confirmed injuries or damages. This seismic event is not isolated, as Calabria had previously experienced tremors on January 7 in the northern part of the region and on January 6 in the southwestern area.
Domenico Costarella, the head of Calabria Region’s Civil Protection Department, mentioned that residents felt the earthquake clearly, but thankfully, no damages have been reported yet. The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology reported the earthquake’s epicenter was off the Ionian coast at a depth of 65km.
Times of Malta described people across the island being awakened by the shaking caused by the earthquake. The seismic activity occurred off the southern tip of Italy just before 6 am local time, resulting in tremors felt in various parts of Italy and Malta.