Summary:
A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 struck central Italy early Wednesday morning, causing significant damage and loss of life. The epicenter of the quake was located near the town of Amatrice, in the mountainous region of Lazio, about 100 kilometers northeast of Rome.
According to initial reports, at least 20 people have been killed, and more than 100 injured. The towns of Amatrice, Accumoli, and Pescara del Tronto were particularly hard-hit, with many buildings collapsing.
Rescue workers are currently searching through the rubble for survivors, and the death toll is expected to rise as more information becomes available. The earthquake has also triggered landslides, making it difficult for emergency crews to reach affected areas.
The Italian government has declared a state of emergency, and Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has pledged to provide full support to the affected regions. The Civil Protection Agency is coordinating the rescue efforts, and military personnel have been deployed to assist in the relief operations.
The Italian Red Cross and other humanitarian organizations are appealing for donations to support the victims of the earthquake. The situation is likely to remain fluid for some time as rescue and recovery efforts continue.