Two minor quakes jolted the central Italian province of L'Aquila on Monday, but there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.
Officials said the epicentre was in an area between the towns of Pizzoli and Collimento and the city of L'Aquila.
The first quake, with a 4.0 magnitude, hit the area at 15:38 local time followed by another, 3.5 magnitude jolt, at 15:43, Civil Protection officials said.
The quakes sent people scurrying out of their houses in panic, caused cracks in buildings and crumbled some cornices, said officials who said no one had been rushed to emergency rooms for immediate care.
Local authorities, who ordered the evacuation of schools and offices, are currently evaluating the need to open facilities to coordinate possible requests for assistance.
