[NautiNurse]

L'Aquila dogged by earthquakes through 800 year history. Although its origins can be traced back to the early 1200s, much of the city's historic centre dates back to the early 18th Century when it was rebuilt following the last major quake in 1703.

Earlier tremors in 1349, 1461 and 1646 had repeatedly shattered the centre of what was once a powerful medieval city. Among the buildings reported to have been damaged in the latest quake is the cathedral, which was itself completely rebuilt after the 1703 disaster.

[RKV]

Un-reinforced masonry construction is NOT your friend in a quake. Compare the similar magnitude quake in Coalinga, CA in 1983. No one died, even though several dozen brick downtown buildings fell. Newer construction in the town rode out the quake with minor damage. Sorry to hear about this.

[mewzilla]

Prayers for the dead and injured.

Coverage from RAI, in Italian. The link for English seems to be down at the moment.