Italy earthquake causes widespread devastation, leaves 247 people dead

Central Italy continues to be rocked by a devastating 6.2 magnitude earthquake that struck the region early on Wednesday morning.

The deathtoll from the event has reached 247 people, as thousands of rescuers continue efforts to find survivors. Rescue workers are using helicopters to help those trapped in the most remote rural areas of Italy. It is believed dozens of people are still trapped in the villages of Amatrice, Accumoli and Pescara del Tronto, in mountainous central Italy. As the BBC reports, in Pescara del Tronto, all the houses have collapsed so that the village no longer exists.

(Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)

Rescue dogs and construction equipment are among the tools being used to help those still trapped, as 4,300 helpers try their best to free survivors, excavating rubble with whatever they can, with some going so far as to use their bare hands. The 6.2-magnitude quake hit at 03:36 (01:36 GMT) on Wednesday 100km (65 miles) north-east of Rome. It is Italy's deadliest since a 2009 earthquake in the same area. The latest death toll was given on Thursday morning - 190 deaths in Rieti province and 57 in neighbouring Ascoli Piceno province. As reported by CNN, a series of strong aftershocks have been felt since the initial quake, including a 4.7-magnitude tremor that struck a few miles east of Norcia early on Thursday morning, according to the United States Geological Survey. "Right now we feel terrible pain," Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said after touring some of the affected areas. "Italy is a family that has been hit and struck, but we are not going to be stopped." Addressing the nation on Wednesday, Renzi vowed to spare no effort in the critical window following the quake when lives could still be saved. "In difficult times, Italy knows what to do," he said. For those wishing to help, You can donate money to La Stampa's emergency fund here and specify that you want your gift to go to "Fund 597 Earthquake in Central Italy," or "Fondo 597 Terremoto Centro Italia." Disaster relief charity Shelterbox has begun collecting donations so it can distribute care boxes that include items like tents, tools, blankets, water purification systems and colouring books for children.