Deadly earthquake hits Italy

Bologna, Itlay: An earthquake of magnitude 6 has killed at least four people and caused serious damage to buildings in several towns, in Northern part of the country.

The quake struck in the middle of the night, about 35km (22 miles) causing significant damage to cultural heritage.

It was the worst tremor to rock Italy with its epicenter in the plains near Modena in the Emilia-Romagna region of the Po river valley, and the tremor was felt as far west as Liguria, bordering France, and the Friuli region bordering Slovenia.

The four victims were killed by falling masonry. Italian media report two more quake-related deaths.The culture ministry said firefighters and civil protection workers were now examining damaged historic buildings.

The Italian government said it would declare a state of emergency, freeing up funds for reconstruction.