(1980) Southern Italy rocked by devastating quakeNearly 3,000 people are killed and many more are injured after a massive earthquake strikes southern Italy. Many of the victims are at evening mass when the 6.89-magnitude quake hits. Towns in the province of Avellino suffer the greatest damage and causalities.The 1980 Irpinia earthquake took place in Southern Italy on November 23 with a moment magnitude of 6.9 and a maximum Mercalli intensity of X. The shock was centered on the village of Conza and left at least 2,483 people dead, at least 7,700 injured, and left 250,000 homeless.