Locals on the Aeolian islands of Alicudi and Filicudi also poured out onto the streets, with students sent home from school after the earthquakes struck.
Head of Sicily’s regional Civil Protection department, Salvo Cocina, said: “The issuance of a SiAM tsunami alert at Advisory level (orange) has been communicated, and its instructions must be strictly observed.
“It is considered necessary that all municipalities concerned and provincial and regional operational structures place themselves on alert and ensure they are ready to respond promptly, given the aftershocks already recorded and the possibility of further tremors.”
The 12 earthquakes all struck off the Italian coast during a two-hour period on Friday afternoon, according to data released by the INGV.
