WEB DESK
Death toll has risen to 247 and 368 injured in an earthquake that hit a mountainous area of central Italy.
The death toll in yesterday’s earthquake in Italy has risen to 247. Italy’s Civil Protection Authorities today said 247 people were died and 368 injured in the quake that hit a mountainous area of central Italy.
Authorities said 190 deaths reported in Rieti province and 57 in neighbouring Ascoli Piceno province. According to officials, many people are still buried under rubble and more than 4,300 rescuers are searching for survivors using heavy lifting equipment.
The 6.2 magnitude earthquake caused extensive damages to three cities near the epicenter. The Mayor of an affected city, Amatrice said, three-quarters of the city had been destroyed and no building was safe for habitation.
The magnitude-6.2 quake struck 100 kilometers north-east of Rome, not far from Perugia. At least 86 of the dead were in the historic town of Amatrice, where the mayor said three-quarters of the town was destroyed, and in nearby Accumoli.
Many people are still believed to be buried under rubble. Rescue teams are using heavy lifting equipment and their bare hands and authorities said the search for survivors would continue through the night.
