Italy earthquake: 5.7 magnitude tremor off Fano's coast felt in multiple countries

The quake was at a depth of 7km, about 28km north-east of Fano, a beach resort in centre of country

Collapsed houses after an earthquake hit the island of Ischia, off the coast of Naples, in August 2017. Reuters

A 5.7 magnitude earthquake struck near the coast of Italian beach resort Fano on Wednesday, shaking several cities, including Rome.

The quake occurred at a depth of 7 kilometres, about 28km north-east of the town, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said.

It was followed by two tremors of 3.1 and 3.4 magnitude at around 7am local time.

The quake caused no serious damage or injuries, according to initial reports. But cracks have reportedly been seen in buildings.

“No injuries at the moment,” a spokesman for Italy's Civil Protection told Reuters, as the agency tweeted that checks on the ground were continuing.

The main quake was reportedly felt across northern Italy in Bologna, Romagna and Rome, as well as other countries including Croatia and San Marino.

“Shaking was felt over 300km by approximately 16 million people in Croatia, Italy, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Vatican,” tweeted EMSC.

EMSC warned further aftershocks may occur in the following hours and days.

“Unless it is necessary, stay away from damaged areas for your safety. Be careful and follow national authorities' information,” it tweeted.

As a precaution, schools in Pesaro and other nearby cities were closed, and rail traffic passing through Pesaro along the Adriatic coast was suspended.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's office said she was “in constant contact” with Civil Protection authorities and the head of the Marche region to follow developments.

— This is a developing story.