Northern Italy earthquake death toll rises to 17

Italian rescue workers removed yet another earthquake victim from rubble today after a magnitude 5.8 temblor hit north of Bologna raising the death toll to 17.

An aftershock yesterday damaged buildings and generated panic among thousands of residents still living in tents after a tremor in the same region destroyed their homes just over a week ago.

The quake was felt across northern and central Italy, including in the most populous northern city Milan. The area was hit by several large aftershocks, one of 5.6 magnitude.

The temblor was the most deadly to strike Italy since 2009 when a tremor partially destroyed the central city of L'Aquila, killing about 300 and leaving thousands homeless.

The Italian government decided today to raise excise duties on petrol to fund aid for the Emilia-Romagna region affected by Monday's earthquake, a statement said.

The Cabinet also decided that nationwide spending curbs affecting Italy's local authorities according to the so-called "internal stability pact", will be eased for the towns hit by the quake.