Tsunami Alert Issued for Italy Following Series of Earthquakes
Authorities issue an orange-level alert after multiple tremors near Sicily, prompting school evacuations.
A tsunami alert has been issued off the coast of Italy following a series of earthquakes detected near Sicily on Friday. Authorities recorded at least 12 tremors, with magnitudes reaching up to 5.0, prompting an orange-level alert.
The epicenter of the earthquakes was located less than 60 miles from Palermo, according to the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology.
In response to the tremors, schools in Palermo and Messina have been evacuated as a precautionary measure. Salvo Cocina, head of the Sicilian Civil Protection, ordered an immediate state of alert for the affected areas.
Palermo Mayor Lagalla stated that he is "in constant contact with all relevant authorities" and is "closely monitoring the evolving situation." He urged residents to stay away from the sea and to follow all instructions from officials. As of the latest reports, there have been no confirmed damages resulting from the seismic activity.