A 5.2 magnitude earthquake has struck northern Italy and was felt from central Florence to north eastern Trieste.
The National Geophysical and Vulcanology Institute said the quake occurred at 3.25pm Irish time, adding that no damage or injuries were reported.
Telephone service was affected in Parma, the report said.
The epicentre was between Parma and Reggio Emilia, and rail traffic in the area was halted as a precaution.
The quake was felt in north eastern Venice as well as north western Genoa and central Bologna.
The earthquake institute said the epicentre was about 15km below ground.
Italy is criss-crossed by two fault lines, with some 20 million people at risk from earthquakes.
