The death toll from the 6.2 magnitude earthquake that struck central Italy early this morning has now risen to as many as 38 people, with more people still trapped in houses or under rubble.
Amatrice, Accumoli and Pescara del Tronto, three villages in the Lazio and Marche regions, have all reported deaths.
An elderly couple found buried in their home were the first two victims of the earthquake reported.
ITALY #EARTHQUAKE: Damage in Amatrice, Italy pic.twitter.com/exRFejnKlt
— Joel Franco (@OfficialJoelF) August 24, 2016
The town of Amatrice’s hospital had been badly damaged in the quake, meaning patients had to be moved out to the street. The mayor said their priority is now to try and save anyone they can:
“Three quarters of the town is not there anymore.“The aim now is to save as many lives as possible. There are voices under the rubble; we have to save the people there.”
The Department Of Foreign Affairs is making enquiries to determine if any Australians have been affected by the earthquake.
Photo: Getty Images / Giuseppe Bellini.
Source: ABC.
