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Italy earthquake: five dead as buildings collapse after 6.2 magnitude quake – live Italy earthquake: five dead as buildings collapse following 6.2 magnitude quake – live
(35 minutes later)
7.55am BST
07:55
Dramatic images have emerged of a survivor being pulled from the rubble in Amatrice.
7.51am BST
07:51
Britain’s foreign office has urged British citizens in the affected areas to follow the advice of the local authorities.
It said:
An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 struck Central Italy during the early hours of 24 August. The earthquake was also felt in Rome. If you are in the affected area, you should follow the advice of the local authorities. If you are in Italy, Civil Protection have activated a hotline 800840840 for information. To learn more about what to do before, during, and after an earthquake visit the Protezione Civile website
7.41am BST
07:41
Local News says the earthquake was about 4km beneath Accumoli (Rieti), which is now almost inaccessible.
Here is Amatrice, 14km to the south of Accumoli, before and after the quake.
Updated
at 7.47am BST
7.31am BST
07:31
Tourists close to the epicentre described the panic after the quake.
Nick Mortimer told the Guardian:
We are a family of nine gathering for a 60th birthday celebration in a villa and accompanying cottage near Amandola. The quake and at least one aftershock caused us to run out of the buildings in a bit of a panic. The first quake caused major shaking of the buildings but no obvious damage. The aftershocks have continued but seem to be less severe over the last hour.
Renata Morioni said:
I am on holiday in my home village in the Marche region, a few kilometres away from Amatrice and the epicentre. I felt a very strong shaking at about 3am ... It went on for ages – then again about 1/2 hour or 45 min later. It was like 1997. Terrifying.
And David from Rome, wrote:
Hello. I am an expat living in Rome. I was woken by the quake, our building swayed for a very long 20/30 seconds. I was still awake for the second one. Scary.
Updated
at 7.48am BST
7.07am BST7.07am BST
07:0707:07
As the morning gets underway in Italy, it seems the damage is worse than feared. This is from Reuters: As the morning gets under way in Italy, it seems the damage is worse than feared. This is from Reuters:
“Now that daylight has come, we see that the situation is even more dreadful than we feared with buildings collapsed, people trapped under the rubble and no sound of life,” said Accumoli mayor Stefano Petrucci. “Now that daylight has come, we see that the situation is even more dreadful than we feared with buildings collapsed, people trapped under the rubble and no sound of life,” said the mayor of Accumoli, Stefano Petrucci.
“Three quarters of the town is not there anymore,” Amatrice mayor Sergio Pirozzi told RAI. “The aim now is to save as many lives as possible. There are voices under the rubble, we have to save the people there.” “Three-quarters of the town is not there anymore,” the Amatrice mayor, Sergio Pirozzi, told RAI. “The aim now is to save as many lives as possible. There are voices under the rubble, we have to save the people there.”
AFP said another two bodies had been pulled from the rubble, bringing the death toll to five.AFP said another two bodies had been pulled from the rubble, bringing the death toll to five.
Updated
at 7.22am BST
6.25am BST6.25am BST
06:2506:25
Here’s more of what Rainews is continuing to report on the quake.Here’s more of what Rainews is continuing to report on the quake.
@RaiNews airing video of damage in #Amatrice #terremoto #earthquake pic.twitter.com/dqsIjCNgt1@RaiNews airing video of damage in #Amatrice #terremoto #earthquake pic.twitter.com/dqsIjCNgt1
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.47am BSTat 6.47am BST
6.18am BST6.18am BST
06:1806:18
It should be stressed that many of the first images coming through are from Amatrice, one of the towns close to the epicentre.It should be stressed that many of the first images coming through are from Amatrice, one of the towns close to the epicentre.
But a number of other local towns and municipalities have been affected. We’ll update you more as we hear from other parts of italy.But a number of other local towns and municipalities have been affected. We’ll update you more as we hear from other parts of italy.
6.17am BST6.17am BST
06:1706:17
More images are coming through showing what appears to be the collapse of entire buildings. Rescue and search crews are being mobilised across the affected areas to begin searching through the rubble.More images are coming through showing what appears to be the collapse of entire buildings. Rescue and search crews are being mobilised across the affected areas to begin searching through the rubble.
6.09am BST6.09am BST
06:0906:09
My colleague Michael Slezak has just sent through a useful explanation outlining what the US Geological Survey has assessed about the cause of the quake and extent of damage. Here’s what he sent through:My colleague Michael Slezak has just sent through a useful explanation outlining what the US Geological Survey has assessed about the cause of the quake and extent of damage. Here’s what he sent through:
The US Geological Survey has reported the earthquake was a result of a “normal fault”, which occurs when one plate is pushed down over another one.The US Geological Survey has reported the earthquake was a result of a “normal fault”, which occurs when one plate is pushed down over another one.
In this case, the Tyrrhenian basin – the area between Sicily and Sardeninia – is expanding, pushing Eurasia towards Africa faster than the Eurasian and African plates can compress.In this case, the Tyrrhenian basin – the area between Sicily and Sardeninia – is expanding, pushing Eurasia towards Africa faster than the Eurasian and African plates can compress.
At the location of the earthquake, the Eurasian plate moves north-east at about 24mm each year. Eventually the tension builds up, and is released as the plates slide over one another.At the location of the earthquake, the Eurasian plate moves north-east at about 24mm each year. Eventually the tension builds up, and is released as the plates slide over one another.
In this case, as has been reported, the first main quake was significant, being measured at magnitude 6.2.In this case, as has been reported, the first main quake was significant, being measured at magnitude 6.2.
It’s the largest there since April 2009 when a magnitude 6.3 earthquake hit the same region, killing at least 295, injuring more than 1,000 and leaving at least 55,000 homeless. It resulted in significant landsliding in the local area, and was also followed by a vigorous aftershock sequence, including five other events of magnitude 5.0 or larger.It’s the largest there since April 2009 when a magnitude 6.3 earthquake hit the same region, killing at least 295, injuring more than 1,000 and leaving at least 55,000 homeless. It resulted in significant landsliding in the local area, and was also followed by a vigorous aftershock sequence, including five other events of magnitude 5.0 or larger.
According to the US Geological Survey, the largest quake recorded in the area, of magnitude 6.7, took place on 13 January 1915, 68km to the south-southwest near Avezzano. It killed approximately 32,000 people.According to the US Geological Survey, the largest quake recorded in the area, of magnitude 6.7, took place on 13 January 1915, 68km to the south-southwest near Avezzano. It killed approximately 32,000 people.
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.51am BSTat 6.51am BST
6.08am BST6.08am BST
06:0806:08
More images are emerging from Rainews in Italy showing the extent of damage. There appear to be a number of buildings that have collapsed, with cars strewn beneath rubbleMore images are emerging from Rainews in Italy showing the extent of damage. There appear to be a number of buildings that have collapsed, with cars strewn beneath rubble
#terremoto inviata #Amatrice #GrRai Francesca Malaguti: soccorritori a mani nude guidati da voci sotto macerie pic.twitter.com/sEeRktGhnr#terremoto inviata #Amatrice #GrRai Francesca Malaguti: soccorritori a mani nude guidati da voci sotto macerie pic.twitter.com/sEeRktGhnr
6.06am BST6.06am BST
06:0606:06
This is not the first time this region of Italy has been struck by a high intensity quake. Rieti, the epicentre of the quake, is only 60km from L’Aquila, where hundreds of people were killed in an earthquake in 2009.This is not the first time this region of Italy has been struck by a high intensity quake. Rieti, the epicentre of the quake, is only 60km from L’Aquila, where hundreds of people were killed in an earthquake in 2009.
More than 300 people died after a 6.3-magnitude tremor hit the capital of the mountainous Abruzzo region. The earthquake wrecked L’Aquila’s historic centre, injured more than 1,000 people and left tens of thousands homeless.More than 300 people died after a 6.3-magnitude tremor hit the capital of the mountainous Abruzzo region. The earthquake wrecked L’Aquila’s historic centre, injured more than 1,000 people and left tens of thousands homeless.
The disaster also sparked a long-running legal battle as a result of which some of Italy’s leading experts on natural disasters were convicted of giving false assurances about the risk of an earthquake in the region.The disaster also sparked a long-running legal battle as a result of which some of Italy’s leading experts on natural disasters were convicted of giving false assurances about the risk of an earthquake in the region.
Three years after the quake, seven scientists from the National Commission for the Forecast and Prevention of Major Risks were found guilty of offering an unjustifiably optimistic assessment to the local population a week before the disaster. By then, the area had been hit by 400 tremors over a period of four months and a local researcher had warned of the risk of a major earthquake, largely on the basis of abnormal radon emissions.Three years after the quake, seven scientists from the National Commission for the Forecast and Prevention of Major Risks were found guilty of offering an unjustifiably optimistic assessment to the local population a week before the disaster. By then, the area had been hit by 400 tremors over a period of four months and a local researcher had warned of the risk of a major earthquake, largely on the basis of abnormal radon emissions.
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.52am BSTat 6.52am BST
6.03am BST
06:03
AFP is now reporting there has been a third confirmed death. Here’s its latest report:
The first two confirmed victims were an elderly couple whose home collapsed in Pescara del Tronto in the Marche region, east of the epicentre, according to national broadcaster Rai.
Another person died and a family of four including two young children were trapped, feared dead, in their collapsed house in Accumoli, a village close to the epicentre, according to its mayor.
“We have a tragedy here,” Stefano Petrucci told Rai. “For the moment one death is confirmed but there are another four people under the rubble and they are not responding.
“It is a disaster, we have no light, no telephones, the rescue services have not got here yet.”
Updated
at 6.52am BST
6.01am BST
06:01
I’ve just spoken with Helen Miller, who lives near the quake region about one-and-a-half hours from Accumoli. The quake was clearly felt where she lives in Saint Angelo in Pontano. Here’s what she said earlier:
I am in Sant Angelo in Pontano, Le Marche, where I live, about one-and-a-half hours from Accumoli over the mountains. The dogs have been barking since it happened. I went out to find my horses as soon as the first earthquake struck, they were wild-eyed and afraid, on high-alert. The second quake happened and they took off at speed.
When the first quake struck felt as thought the house would burst and the shakes continue now. Even here people were standing in the streets, dazed, you just don’t know how close it is, what might come next. The aftershocks go on now, as they did with L’Aquila. I know it will be bad up there on the mountains and people are trapped, and animals will be trapped as shelters collapse.
Updated
at 6.54am BST
5.57am BST
05:57
Here’s more images of rescue crews in Amatrice, where the damage to buildings and infrastructure appears to be extensive based on reports coming through.
Rescue crews needed in #Amatrice, reports people trapped. Area roads in bad shape. (📷: @GuiliaCiarapix/@Umbria24) pic.twitter.com/e43CDpupGp
Updated
at 6.54am BST
5.46am BST
05:46
Reports of two deaths and four trapped in rubble
The first reports are beginning to emerge of injuries and deaths from towns close to the epicentre of the earthquake in Italy.
Reuters is reporting that police in Pescara have said two people have died, while a number of others are trapped under rubble. Here’s the key parts of their report:
A strong earthquake brought down buildings in central Italy early on Wednesday, trapping residents and sending others fleeing into the streets, with at least six people believed killed.
The worst hit towns were believed to be Accumoli, Amatrice, Posta and Arquata del Tronto, Fire department spokesman Luca Cari told Reuters, adding that helicopters would be sent up at first light to assess the damage.
The mayor of Accumoli said a number of buildings had been badly damaged. “Four people are under the rubble, but they are not showing any sign of life. Two parents and two children,” Stefano Petrucci told RAI television.
RAI quoted police as saying two people were known to have died in the nearby village of Pescara del Tronto.
Updated
at 6.54am BST
5.32am BST
05:32
Pictures beginning to emerge from Amatrice in central Italy are showing some of the devastation caused by the quake. Here’s some of the first images we’ve received.
Updated
at 6.56am BST
5.25am BST
05:25
Italian news network Rainews is broadcasting footage of the aftermath of the earthquake. There’s substantial debris from the footage we can see, posted by other users watching the broadcast on Twitter.
#terremoto first footages on @rainews pic.twitter.com/x1aKggbeG1
5.22am BST
05:22
A number of images are beginning to surface from areas affected by the quake. The Umbria 24 news network has published a number of photos that show damage to buildings, tunnels and the evacuation of residents:
#terremoto Crolli lungo strada per Norcia. Mandateci le vostre foto dall'Umbria a redazione@umbria24.it o sui social pic.twitter.com/4zNvLEzkOD
#terremoto Paura in tutta l' #Umbria . Persone che dormono in strada (nella foto a #Norcia ) pic.twitter.com/8QbkSapQoK
Updated
at 5.36am BST
5.19am BST
05:19
One of the towns where reports have first emerged of damage is Amatrice, in central Italy. The epicentre of the quake is Rieti, approximately 170km (105 miles) from Rome. Here’s a map outlining where the quake has struck:
Updated
at 7.10am BST
5.16am BST
05:16
We’ve just published our first report on the quake. Here’s an excerpt that outlines the key points:
An earthquake recorded at magnitude 6.2 has struck central Italy, with reports of extensive damage, people trapped, others fleeing into the streets and blackouts near the epicentre.
The mayor of the small town of Amatrice said residents were buried under debris and the town “isn’t here any more”.
The US Geological Survey said the quake hit near the town of Norcia in the region of Umbria at 3.36am. The European Mediterranean Seismological Centre put the magnitude at 6.1 and said the epicentre was north-east of Rome, near Rieti.
Sergio Pirozzi, the mayor in Amatrice, near Rieti, reported extensive damage. “Half the town is gone,” he told RAI state television. “There are people under the rubble … There’s been a landslide and a bridge might collapse.”
Italy’s civil protection agency said the earthquake was “severe”. Fire department spokesman Luca Cari said “there have been reports of victims” in the quake zone, but he did not have any precise details.
Updated
at 7.10am BST
5.14am BST
05:14
An earthquake with a 6.2 magnitude has struck central Italy, with reports emerging of widespread damage across a number of towns.
We’ll have rolling coverage of events as we receive news of the impact on towns. Here’s a short summary of what we know so far:
We’ll update you as we know more.
Updated
at 5.16am BST