A magnitude 4.3 earthquake that struck the Italian region of Tuscany did not cause damage to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. The epicenter of the tremor was located near the city of Lucca, at a depth of 8 kilometers, about 15 kilometers from the iconic monument.
The earthquake shook an area covering the towns of Lucca, Massa Carrara and Pisa. According to local authorities, there were no reports of damage or destruction in the region. The Leaning Tower, which is one of Italy’s most recognizable landmarks, also remained intact.
The first shock, with magnitude 4.3, was the strongest. Several aftershocks followed, and the largest of them reached magnitude 3.2. Eugenio Giani, president of the regional authority, reported that the tremor was clearly felt across many northern parts of Tuscany.
– The tremor was felt in many localities in northern Tuscany – Giani said.
Emergency response and inspections
Italian media said the fire brigade headquarters in Pisa received numerous calls from residents alarmed by the earthquake. In some offices and homes, people rushed out into the streets.
Civil Defense personnel conducted inspections throughout the region. After completing checks, the service announced that no losses had been noted.
Michele Conti, the mayor of Pisa, addressed residents in a video published on social media and said the situation was under control. He confirmed that the city’s most famous landmark had been checked and was safe.
– I can announce that our beloved Leaning Tower has not suffered any damage – he stressed.
A landmark saved by Polish-born engineer
The Leaning Tower of Pisa has a history of instability. At the end of the last century, its tilt began to increase more rapidly. A team of scientists led by Professor Michele Jamiolkowski of Turin Polytechnic managed to save the structure from collapse. In 2001, the Polish-origin scientist gave the monument a 300-year guarantee.
Italy records thousands of earthquakes every year; the vast majority of them are not felt and do not cause any damage. Late last week, southern Italy was hit by a magnitude 4.7 earthquake. In the Naples area, 21 people were injured, two seriously. The quake collapsed several uninhabited buildings, tore off facades and caused power outages.
Źródło: Polsat News, Fot. Polsat News
