ROME, May 21 (UPI) -- Aftershocks rumbled through the Emilia-Romagna area of Italy Monday, a day after an earthquake killed seven people, injured dozens and left thousands homeless.
Officials said the industrial area was subjected to more than 100 aftershocks in the 24 hours after the 5.9-magnitude earthquake, ANSA reported.
Historic castles, churches and towers were among buildings destroyed or damaged by the earthquake and its aftershocks, officials said.
Franco Gabrielli, head of Italy's Civil Protection Department, said 11,000 people were displaced by the initial quake, CNN reported.
The government said it put up 3,000 people in tents or hotels, but could not shelter everyone displaced.
The quake's epicenter was near Camposanto, about 2 miles northwest of Bologna, the U.S. Geological Survey said.
The government is preparing to declare the area an emergency zone during a Cabinet meeting Tuesday, ANSA reported.
Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti left the NATO summit in Chicago early after he received word of the earthquake.
