No Thais affected by strong quake in Italy

BANGKOK, August 24 (TNA) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports that no Thai nationals have been affected by a 6.2-magnitude earthquake that struck Italy on Wednesday. Thai Foreign Ministry Spokesman Sek Wannamethee told journalists that the Thai Embassy in Rome has initially confirmed there were no Thai people or Thai temples affected by the strong earthquake, which rocked central Italy at 3:36am on August 24 (local time). The spokesman stated that the Thai Embassy to Italy has, however, asked Thai nationals there to closely monitor the updated situation and beware of possible aftershocks. The spokesman said the Thai Embassy in Rome also asked people to provide information to the embassy at Tel. +393338518071 in case they may know any Thai national in Italy affected by Wednesday's quake. According to updated reports, at least 18 people have died in the powerful earthquake in central Italy. The strong quake was reportedly felt by people across central Italy, including those in Rome and those from the Lazio Region to Umbria and Le Marche on the Adriatic Coast. Hardest-hit towns reportedly included Amatrice and Accumoli near Rieti, some 100 kilometers (80 miles) northeast of Rome. (TNA)