The death toll in Italy’s Abruzzo region is expected to climb today as rescue teams make their way through the aftermath of last night’s 6.2-magnitude earthquake.
So far, around 120 people have been reported dead and another 368 injured in the “shallow and strong quake”. The worst hit villages were Amatrice and Accumoli, where buildings have turned to rubble.
Italy’s Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said the current “death toll is not final” and fears the dozens of people still missing may be trapped under debris.
“It is a pain without limits.”
Prime Minister Matteo Renzi
The quake hit central Italy at around 3:36am local time and was felt as far as Rome, which sits around 150 kilometres away, The Australian reported.
It was followed by around 50 aftershocks, measuring up to 5.4-magnitude.
Residents in severely hit areas have been evacuated, and according to the Mayor Amatrice “half the town is gone”.
https://twitter.com/SputnikInt/status/768561212296531968
In a statement to KarryOn, Trafalgar confirmed that none of its guests have been impacted by the quake and currently all Italian trips are operating as scheduled.
“We are saddened to hear of the tragic news from Central Italy today. Our heartfelt thoughts are with the Italian people.”
Trafalgar
“Trafalgar can confirm that none of our guests have been impacted by this event.
“We continue to monitor the situation closely. Currently all of our Italian trips are operating as scheduled.
“The safety of our guests is our utmost priority and we are in constant dialogue with our colleagues on the ground in the region.”
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has maintained its “exercise normal safety precautions” advise for Italy, but is urging locals with family and friends in affected areas to contact them directly.
“Australians in Italy should follow the advice of local authorities.”
DFAT
“If you have any concerns for the welfare of family and friends in Italy you should attempt to contact them directly.”