ROME: A strong earthquake struck central Italy in the early hours of Wednesday, causing buildings to collapse "with reports of victims" and sending panicked residents fleeing into the streets of numerous towns and cities. Mayor of Italian town Accumoli confirmed the death of four people.
The US Geological Survey said it was a 6.2 magnitude quake that hit near the town of Norcia, in the region of Umbria, at 3.36 a.m. The mayor of the small town of Amatrice reported extensive damage.
Italy's civil protection agency said the earthquake was "severe".
The mayor of Amatrice near Rieti, Sergio Perozzi, told that buildings had been destroyed in the city centre and that the lights had gone out.
He said he was unable to get in touch with emergency responders or reach the hospital.
"What can I tell you? It's a tragedy," he said.
Many buildings in towns near the epicentre had crumbled, Mr Perozzi told.
"It's a drama, half of our town is destroyed, there are people under the debris," he said.
"Our town has gone. There are people under the rubble, I fear there will be many dead," he said.
