Palermo, Sicily Earthquake

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Posting Date: September 6, 2002, 10:00:00 AM

A strong earthquake has occurred off the coast of Sicily on Thursday, September 05, 2002, at 9:21 p.m., EDT. According to the U. S. Geological Survey (USGS), the magnitude of the earthquake was estimated at 5.9, the strongest to affect the region in 20 years. The quake struck about 25 miles (40 km) NE of Palermo, Italy, and 75 miles (120 km) N of Agrigento, Italy, at 3:21 a.m. local time Friday, September 6 (01:21 UTC). The focal depth was estimated at 13 miles (21 km), beneath the Tyrrhenian Sea. The earthquake is reported to have lasted 20-30 seconds and was followed by two large aftershocks and more than 70 smaller ones. The quake was felt across the south of Italy. Several buildings in Palermo's historic center suffered some damage according to reports, including cracks and chunks of masonry knocked off. The most severely damaged buildings were evacuated as a precaution. AIR expects that insured losses from this event will be minimal.

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Posting Date: September 6, 2002, 10:00:00 AM