A 5.1 magnitude earthquake has hit the coast near Reggio Calabria, affecting both Italy and Malta.

Authorities have expressed concerns following the earthquake early this morning, with reports of people being awakened by the shaking.

Fortunately, there have been no injuries or significant damage reported at this time.

Domenico Costarella, who heads the Civil Protection Department in the Calabria Region, mentioned that residents clearly felt the earthquake, but inspections in the epicenter area have not revealed any damage so far.

The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology stated that the epicenter was located off the Ionian coast at a depth of 65km.

According to the Times of Malta, residents across the island were startled awake by the tremors.

The earthquake occurred off the southern tip of Italy just before 6 a.m. local time today.

Reports indicate that shaking was felt in various parts of Italy and Malta.