6.0 magnitude earthquake hits Accumoli and Amatrice in central Italy
A strong earthquake, of magnitude 6.0, occurred at 3:36 am in Accumoli, in the province of Rieti, with its epicenter at a depth of 4km. Amatrice, just a few kilometers away, has recorded the most extensive damage. The mayor of Amatrice, Sergio Pirozzi, speaks of people under the rubble, and of a town that no longer exists.
The quake was felt distinctly in all Central Italy, from Rome to the province of Ferrara.
Another shock, which is also very strong, was recorded at 4:34, with a magnitude of 5.4.
The connections with Amatrice are very difficult, because of a crumbling bridge: the mayor of Amatrice expressed request to release and promote access to the town to allow relief.
From latest updates it seems to have collapsed the east wall of the Little Horn of Gran Sasso. According to the Fire Department of Ascoli Piceno, there would also wounded in the inland area of the province near Arquata del Tronto.
In the Marche region, in addition, the earthquake has caused collapses patchy between Ascoli Piceno, Fermo and Macerata.