Fifteen people dead. The toll of those who have died in today's earthquake continues to shock Emilia. The strongest quake, with a magnitude of 5.8, came at around 9am and was felt across the North of the country.

Then, in rapid succession, came a further three shockwaves, each with a magnitude over 5. The first two were localised in Mirandola. The shocks triggered panic at 1pm.

From Bologna to Modena many people came out onto the streets in fear. As a precautionary measure, schools, universities, public buildings, historic buildings and workplaces were evacuated: these included the premises of Ferrari, Lamborghini and Ducati.

More than five thousand were evacuated from their homes: 4,500 in the Modena area and the rest in the provinces around Bologna and Ferrara.

By this evening 4,000 new temporary shelters will be set up for evacuees: the regional government of Emilia Romagna informs us.

Italy's civil guard is working existing shelters, which cater for one thousand persons.

Thanks to help from other regions, five new reception centres will be set up containing 1,250 beds. Further hotels have been made available to house people in the affected areas. Two special hostels will house around 450 evacuees.