Central Italy earthquake lefts dozens of dead people and devastated towns

The 6.2-magnitude earthquake hit Italy early Wednesday, and up to now authorities say they cannot put a figure on the number trapped under the rubble

The 6.2-magnitude earthquake hit Italy early Wednesday, and up to now authorities say they cannot put a figure on the number trapped under the rubble

*LAST UPDATED ON 25TH OF AUGUST 

At least 250 dead and 264 injured are officially announced as the tragic account of the powerful 6.2 magnitude quake, but according to the Civil Protection the number is expected to grow. The quake struck at 03:36 (01:36 GMT), 100km (65 miles) north-east of Rome. Its shallow depth (less than 10km) and intensity mainly devastated the mountainous towns of Amatrice, Accumoli, Pescara del Tronto and Arquata del Tronto, popular vacation spots which were full of tourists. Amatrice, voted last year as one of Italy's most beautiful historic towns, is now flattened.

The main and most strong earthquake of magnitude 6 hit at 03.36, with epicenter near Accumoli, at only 4km depth; the second one of magnitude 5.4 was registered at 04.33 with epicenter between Norcia (Perugia) and Castelsantangelo sul Nera (Macerata) and at 8,7 km depth. Afteshocks continued even till early afternoon, spreading panic to residents. The earthquake caused damage in three regions -- Umbria, Lazio and Marche -- and was felt as far away as the southern Italian port city of Naples (220 km away).

Source: Ansa

Rescuers after earthquake at Pescara del Tronto, central Italy, August 24, 2016. REUTERS/Remo Casilli

A man is rescued alive from the ruins following an earthquake in Amatrice, central Italy, August 24, 2016.REUTERS/Remo Casilli

A woman is helped to leave his home by rescuers following a quake in Amatrice, central Italy, August 24, 2016.REUTERS/Remo Casilli

The same woman, crying after been rescued from her home following a quake in Amatrice, central Italy, August 24, 2016. © Remo Casilli / Reuters