Two strong earthquakes have hit central Italy, damaging buildings and sending scared residents into the streets.

A 5.5-magnitude quake struck at 7:10 pm local time (1710 GMT) near Visso in Macerata province, officials said.

It was followed two hours later by a 6.1 magnitude tremor in the same area. Several people were hurt, but there were no immediate reports of deaths, reports the BBC.

The quakes come two months after a powerful earthquake struck slightly to the south, killing 298 people.

The 6.2 magnitude quake, on 24 August, toppled buildings in Amatrice and villages in the mountainous region around the town, which is just 70km (45 miles) from Visso.

BDST: 0902 HRS, OCT 27, 2016
SR