Italy Earthquake: Death Toll Reaches 247 Amid Rescue Efforts

Rome, 22 Dzulqa’dah 1437/25 August 2016 (MINA) – The death toll in the Italian earthquake has risen to at least 247 as thousands of rescuers continue efforts to find survivors, bbc.com reported.

Dozens are believed trapped in ruined Amatrice, Accumoli and Pescara del Tronto, in mountainous central Italy.

The search went on through the night, and there was a strong aftershock which rocked already damaged buildings.

More than 4,300 rescuers are using heavy lifting equipment and their bare hands.

Many of the victims were children, the health minister said, and there were warnings the toll could rise further.

The 6.2-magnitude quake hit at 03:36 (01:36 GMT) on Wednesday 100km (65 miles) north-east of Rome.

There were several hundred tremors after the quake, some of which were felt in Rome.

“We are sleeping in the car and there were shocks all night. When the biggest one came, the car started moving and shaking,” said Monica, a survivor from Amatrice.

A tented camp has been set up, as so many buildings are now unsafe.

The latest death toll was given on Thursday morning – 190 deaths in Rieti province and 57 in neighbouring Ascoli Piceno province.

Prime Minister Matteo Renzi was chairing an emergency cabinet meeting on Thursday. The agenda included reconstruction plans for the devastated area.(T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)