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Amatrice earthquake: dozens of victims, says mayor, after 6.2 magnitude quake – live Italy earthquake: mayor of Amatrice says dozens have died after 6.2 quake – live
(35 minutes later)
9.31am BST
09:31
Video has emerged showing the extent of the devastation in Pescara del Tronto, where at least 10 people were killed. It starts with an aerial view of the damage to the hill village, then cuts to views of rubble-strewn streets and ends with a team of officials discussing the rescue plan.
Updated
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9.13am BST
09:13
State broadcaster: 21 confirmed dead
State broadcaster Rai News reports 21 confirmed deaths. It reports that six people were killed in Accumoli, the nearest village to the epicentre. There are also 10 confirmed dead in Pescara del Tronto, north of the reported epicentre, and a further five in Amatrice.
The mayor of Amatrice said dozens had been killed in the town.
#terremoto bilancio provvisorio: 21 morti accertati. 10 a #PescaradelTronto 6 ad #Accumoli e 5 ad #Amatrice pic.twitter.com/Ol0IzAEQJw
Updated
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9.02am BST9.02am BST
09:0209:02
Pope Francis has thanked rescue workers and volunteers and invited everyone to join him in prayer for the victims, according to Rai News.Pope Francis has thanked rescue workers and volunteers and invited everyone to join him in prayer for the victims, according to Rai News.
#terremoto +++ Papa: ringrazio questi volontari e uomini protezione civile e invito tutti a unirsi in preghiera +++ pic.twitter.com/dTVAPlauhJ#terremoto +++ Papa: ringrazio questi volontari e uomini protezione civile e invito tutti a unirsi in preghiera +++ pic.twitter.com/dTVAPlauhJ
8.58am BST8.58am BST
08:5808:58
Simona Mani lives in York but returned to her hometown of Acquasparta (about 90km west of epicentre) yesterday to visit her family on holiday. She gives this eye witness account: Simona Mani lives in York but returned to her hometown of Acquasparta (about 90km west of epicentre) yesterday to visit her family on holiday. She gives this account:
“This was definitely the strongest experience of an earthquake I have ever had, as the epicentre was close to here and near the surface. My parents and I were abruptly awoken when we heard a loud noise and felt the house shake violently.“This was definitely the strongest experience of an earthquake I have ever had, as the epicentre was close to here and near the surface. My parents and I were abruptly awoken when we heard a loud noise and felt the house shake violently.
Some objects fell from the walls and we ran outside, as did many neighbours and most of the village. A typical quake here lasts just a few seconds, but in this case we woke up, ran out, talked to each other, and the earth kept shaking the whole time. It seems the quake lasted about 20 seconds, but it felt endless.Some objects fell from the walls and we ran outside, as did many neighbours and most of the village. A typical quake here lasts just a few seconds, but in this case we woke up, ran out, talked to each other, and the earth kept shaking the whole time. It seems the quake lasted about 20 seconds, but it felt endless.
Fortunately our home was recently built and resistant to medium earthquakes. Our neighbours and the rest of the family also didn’t have any property damage. However, many other small villages around the area are really struggling at the moment. We hesitated going back into the house, and at about 4.30am there was an aftershock, a little less intense and shorter in time.Fortunately our home was recently built and resistant to medium earthquakes. Our neighbours and the rest of the family also didn’t have any property damage. However, many other small villages around the area are really struggling at the moment. We hesitated going back into the house, and at about 4.30am there was an aftershock, a little less intense and shorter in time.
We kept feeling minor shakes until the early morning. Most of the people have gone back inside, but decided to sleep on the ground floors rather than their usual first floor bedrooms, so that they could escape quickly if another strong quake happened.We kept feeling minor shakes until the early morning. Most of the people have gone back inside, but decided to sleep on the ground floors rather than their usual first floor bedrooms, so that they could escape quickly if another strong quake happened.
Some neighbours are looking for tents to sleep outside tonight, as there will probably be other aftershocks in the next few hours. Local Research centres have recorded more than 50 shakes of various intensities. Some neighbours are looking for tents to sleep outside tonight, as there will probably be other aftershocks in the next few hours. Local research centres have recorded more than 50 shakes of various intensities.
We feel for the people of Accumoli, Amatrice, and all the areas that have been affected by building collapsing and we hope to be able to help as soon as possible.” We feel for the people of Accumoli, Amatrice, and all the areas that have been affected by buildings collapsing and we hope to be able to help as soon as possible.”
Updated
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8.50am BST8.50am BST
08:5008:50
'Dozens of dead' in Amatrice'Dozens of dead' in Amatrice
The mayor of Amatrice, Sergio Pirozzi, has told the Italian state broadcaster that there are “dozens of dead”. RAI News quoted him saying: “There are so many dead I cannot make an estimate. We have already extracted several dead bodies but we do not know how many there are there below.”The mayor of Amatrice, Sergio Pirozzi, has told the Italian state broadcaster that there are “dozens of dead”. RAI News quoted him saying: “There are so many dead I cannot make an estimate. We have already extracted several dead bodies but we do not know how many there are there below.”
He added: “There are dozens of victims, many under the rubble, we are setting up a place for the bodies.”He added: “There are dozens of victims, many under the rubble, we are setting up a place for the bodies.”
NEWS/ #Terremoto: sindaco Amatrice, 'decine morti'.NEWS/ #Terremoto: sindaco Amatrice, 'decine morti'.
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8.28am BST8.28am BST
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Caroline BannockCaroline Bannock
You can share your eyewitness accounts, photos and videos or news tips direct with our journalists by clicking on the blue button on this blog or by emailing matthew.weaver@theguardian.com.You can share your eyewitness accounts, photos and videos or news tips direct with our journalists by clicking on the blue button on this blog or by emailing matthew.weaver@theguardian.com.
You can also share your stories, photos and videos with the Guardian via WhatsApp by adding the contact +44(0)7867825056.You can also share your stories, photos and videos with the Guardian via WhatsApp by adding the contact +44(0)7867825056.
8.26am BST8.26am BST
08:2608:26
Video, purported to be from Cornillo Vecchio, which is a few kilometres north of Amatrice shows cars covered in rubble.Video, purported to be from Cornillo Vecchio, which is a few kilometres north of Amatrice shows cars covered in rubble.
Video from my father in law 5km from #Amatrice #ItalyEarthquake pic.twitter.com/k4ECDM05KZVideo from my father in law 5km from #Amatrice #ItalyEarthquake pic.twitter.com/k4ECDM05KZ
8.14am BST8.14am BST
08:1408:14
Aerial views of Amatrice suggest that the mayor was not exaggerating when he said “half of the town is gone”.Aerial views of Amatrice suggest that the mayor was not exaggerating when he said “half of the town is gone”.
UpdatedUpdated
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8.09am BST8.09am BST
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At least 10 deadAt least 10 dead
Both Reuters and AFP say at least 10 people were killed in the quake, citing local media. The national civil protection agency said it could not give an official toll as rescue efforts were still under way.Both Reuters and AFP say at least 10 people were killed in the quake, citing local media. The national civil protection agency said it could not give an official toll as rescue efforts were still under way.
Deaths were reported in three villages in a mountainous area straddling the regions of Lazio and Marche: Amatrice, Accumoli and Arquata del Tronto.Deaths were reported in three villages in a mountainous area straddling the regions of Lazio and Marche: Amatrice, Accumoli and Arquata del Tronto.
“The situation is dramatic, there are many dead. I cannot give a toll for now because rescue efforts are under way and it is very, very difficult,” said the mayor of Amatrice, Sergio Pirozzi.“The situation is dramatic, there are many dead. I cannot give a toll for now because rescue efforts are under way and it is very, very difficult,” said the mayor of Amatrice, Sergio Pirozzi.
According to local officials, two people have been confirmed dead at Arquata, five at Amatrice and two in Accumoli with a number of people unaccounted for in all three locations.According to local officials, two people have been confirmed dead at Arquata, five at Amatrice and two in Accumoli with a number of people unaccounted for in all three locations.
Earlier, the Accumoli mayor, Stefano Petrucci, told RAI state broadcaster that a family of four had been buried when their house collapsed, adding that there was no indication they had survived.Earlier, the Accumoli mayor, Stefano Petrucci, told RAI state broadcaster that a family of four had been buried when their house collapsed, adding that there was no indication they had survived.
RAI quoted police as saying two people were known to have died in the nearby village of Pescara del Tronto. Two bodies were removed from the debris in Amatrice.RAI quoted police as saying two people were known to have died in the nearby village of Pescara del Tronto. Two bodies were removed from the debris in Amatrice.
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8.04am BST8.04am BST
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A camper who gave his name as Jonquil describes being woken by the quake.A camper who gave his name as Jonquil describes being woken by the quake.
I was camping near Serramonacesca, about 100km south of epicentre. I was woken by a sensation similar to that of a giant taking hold of my tent and shaking it vigorously for about six seconds. It was followed by sound of falling rocks as mountainside in neighbouring valley collapses.I was camping near Serramonacesca, about 100km south of epicentre. I was woken by a sensation similar to that of a giant taking hold of my tent and shaking it vigorously for about six seconds. It was followed by sound of falling rocks as mountainside in neighbouring valley collapses.
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7.55am BST7.55am BST
07:5507:55
Dramatic images have emerged of a survivor being pulled from the rubble in Amatrice.Dramatic images have emerged of a survivor being pulled from the rubble in Amatrice.
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.28am BSTat 8.28am BST
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
Updated
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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
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7.07am BST
07:07
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 the mayor of Accumoli, Stefano Petrucci.
“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.
Updated
at 7.22am BST
6.25am BST
06:25
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
Updated
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6.18am BST
06:18
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.
6.17am BST
06:17
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.
6.09am BST
06:09
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:
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.
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.
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.
Updated
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6.08am BST
06:08
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 rubble
#terremoto inviata #Amatrice #GrRai Francesca Malaguti: soccorritori a mani nude guidati da voci sotto macerie pic.twitter.com/sEeRktGhnr
6.06am BST
06:06
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.
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.
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.
Updated
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