On Wednesday, August 24, 2016, a shallow, but strong earthquake hit central Italy, leaving 120 dead and a lot more wounded.
According to the report on CNN, rescue teams are still digging through the rubbles, looking for survivors.
The earthquake which was measured to have a 6.2 magnitude has destroyed villages in a rural area, which bubbles with visitors as it is a popular vacation hangout, in central Italy.
According to a CNN reports, the death toll has reached 63. A CNN reporter, Frederik Pleitgen, also said that the authorities are expecting the death toll to rise:
“The authorities here believe many many people may have died in this quake and that the death toll may rise because of the magnitude of this, and because many old historic buildings have crumbled.”
“They need things like bulldozers, they need heavy high powered jacks to lift things. They need big metal saws to get through concrete and metal to get people out.”
“They always say the first 72 hours are key — for those who are trapped, that’s (typically) how long they can survive.”
Reports on CNN have said the Lazio Regional Government have asked people to donate blood in Rome for the victims of the quake.
The US State Department, in a tweet, have asked Americans in Italy to let their families know that they are safe.
The quake which is 10km deep, hit 10km south east of Norcia, according to the United States Geological Survey.
Italy’s Civil Protection agency said of the people killed in the 6.2 magnitude quake, at least 53 of them were in the town of Amatrice, and at least 100 people were injured. Other fatalities were reported in the nearby towns of Accumoli and Arquata del Tronto.
