Earthquake Strikes Italy, Tremors Felt in Rome A severe aftershock followed the first quake an hour later.

 -- A 5.3-magnitude earthquake struck central Italy on Wednesday morning, a representative from the Civil Protection Department confirmed on Italy's RAI TV.

According to the country's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, the epicenter of the quake was between L'Aquila and Rieti, the same area struck by a strong quake in August last year. A severe aftershock followed the first quake an hour later.

The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre Tremors reported that the quake was recorded 69 miles northeast of Rome and was about 6 miles deep. Tremors were felt in the capital.

The area is still recovering from a 6.2-magnitude earthquake that rocked the region in August, killing more than 200 people and leaving thousands homeless, according to Italy's Civil Protection Department.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.