Death, destruction as 6.2-magnitude quake rattles central Italy

A powerful earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale has hit central Italy, causing extensive damage to the affected areas and leaving at least 159 people dead, national media say.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake struck 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) southeast of Norcia, a town in Perugia Province, at around 03.30 a.m. local time (0130 GMT) on Wednesday.

The USGS has issued a red alert, suggesting significant casualties and damage based on previous quake data.

Initial reports said the tremor caused extensive damage to the central town of Amatrice in Rieti Province, with people trapped under the rubble. It was also felt in the capital, Rome.

Amatrice Mayor Sergio Perozzi told state-run RAI Radio 1 of many collapsed buildings in the city center, saying the quake also caused a blackout.

“What can I tell you? It’s a tragedy,” he said.

“Look! There are houses that aren’t here anymore. I hope we get some help,” he added.

The official further said access to the village had been blocked, making it impossible for rescue services to make their way into the area.

Perozzi also said the strong quake caused a landslide and a collapsed bridge on a road in the village.

Elsewhere, the mayor of the town of Accumoli in Rieti Province, Stefano Petrucci, said a number of buildings had been badly damaged by the 6.2 magnitude quake.

More than 100 people are still missing, according to local officials.

Italy’s civil protection agency has described the quake as “severe,” adding that it could not give an official toll as rescue efforts were still underway.

The deaths were reported in the towns of Amatrice, Accumoli and Arquata del Tronto, all situated in a mountainous area straddling the regions of Lazio and Marche.

Prime Minister Matteo Renzi’s spokesman said on Twitter that the government is closely monitoring the situation and is in touch with the country’s civil protection agency.

In 2009, the Aquila region in central Italy was jolted a 6.3-magnitude quake, which killed over 300 people.

Two other tremors also jolted the northern Emilia Romagna region in May 2012, leaving nearly two dozen people dead and some 14,000 others homeless.

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