A magnitude 5.0 earthquake struck central Italy this morning in the same region hit by recent strong quakes. The US Geological Survey said the temblor, which struck at 1:35 a.m. (0405 IST), was very shallow, only 10 kilometre deep and was centered 51.5 kilometre southeast of Perugia. Earthquakes measuring 5.5 and 6.1 hit the area on October 26, followed by a 6.6 magnitude quake on Sunday, the biggest tremor to strike Italy for 36 years. <br/><br/>A magnitude 5.0 earthquake is considered moderate and is capable of causing considerable damage. The shallow depth would have intensified the shaking at the surface.