Italy Devastated by Earthquake - Buildings Collapses and 20 People Die

A 6.2 magnitude earthquake devastated central Italy causing 20 people to lose their lives. Many others are feared to be still trapped under rubble according to BBC.

The quake hit 100km (65 miles) north-east of Rome at 3:36 (01:36 GMT) with a depth of 10 kilometers.

Shaking Buildings

The quake caused some buildings to shake for almost 20 seconds.

The  quake hit hardest in the  town of Amatrice. The mayor Sergio Perozzi said "The roads in and out of town are cut off. Half the town is gone. There are people under the rubble. There's been a landslide and a bridge might collapse."

Aftershocks

Seismologist Andrea Tertulliani told BBC that aftershocks will definitely follow but it would eventually diminish in intensity. However she said, "It can't be ruled out that there could be another shock on the same scale as the main one."

Authorities has heeded the warning and announced to all citizens to be ready for any aftershocks in the next few hours.

Rescue Teams

Italy's Prime Minister said rescue teams and emergency workers are being sent to the worst-hit areas with all haste.

The government warned that the number of casualties may rise. The Civil Protection Department said that the earthquake's intensity was similar to the one that hit Aquila in April 2009 which took 309 lives.