2009 L'Aquila earthquake region saw dozens of significant aftershocks following the main earthquake. The strongest, which hit at 19:47 CEST on 7 April, measured magnitude 5.3 and caused further damage. According to the Italian National Geophysics Institute director Boschi, the aftershock epicentres migrated south-east, thus lessening the risk of further major shocks near populated areas. Aftershocks caused safety problems for rescue crews searching for injured victims trapped in precarious structures in the historic center of L'Aquila, a medieval city. Using cranes and backhoes to remove loose bricks and broken timbers, the crews were aware that even a small aftershock could have triggered the
2009 Xinjiang earthquake to schools, government buildings and tents, said a regional civil affairs department official. No casualties have been reported so far. A total of 198 houses collapsed and 2,928 were damaged. The direct economic loss was estimated at 21 million yuan ($US 3.1 million). According to the Chinese zodiac the Xinjiang earthquake occurred on the last day of the year of the Rat. Previously the year of the Rat was known as a negative year for China including the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, 2008 Tibetan unrest, 2008 milk scandal and many more events. 2009 Xinjiang earthquake The 2009 Xinjiang earthquake occurred in