Earthquakes at Italy: magnitude of 6.2

The 6.2-magnitude quake hit at 03:36 (01:36 GMT) on Wednesday 100km (65 miles) north-east of Rome.

The mayor of Amatrice said three-quarters of the town had been destroyed and no building was safe for habitation.Many of those affected were on holiday in the region. Some were in Amatrice for a festival to celebrate a famous local speciality - amatriciana bacon and tomato sauce.

Many people are still believed to be buried under rubble and more than 4,300 rescuers are using heavy lifting equipment and bare hands to find them.More than 160 people have died and at least 368 were injured, officials said.Many of the victims were children, the health minister said, and there were warnings the toll could rise further.

Prayers for Italy..