(ANSA) - Rome, January 18 - A strong earthquake was felt in central Italy at around 10:25 on Wednesday. The quake was felt in Lazio, including Rome, Abruzzo and Marche. The earthquake was magnitude 5.3 and had its epicentre between Lazio and Abruzzo, according to initial information.

Central Italy suffered a series of devastating earthquakes last year, including one in August that claimed around 300 lives.

Misery in the areas affected by the quakes has been compounded by the recent wave of snow and freezing weather.

