A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck central Italy early Wednesday, with
reports of damaged buildings and blackouts near the epicenter Rieti and
residents fleeing their homes and running into the streets.
The quake struck just after 3:30 a.m. and was felt across a broad
section of central Italy, including the capital Rome where people in
homes in the historic center felt a long swaying followed by
aftershocks.
According to AP, the mayor of Amatrice near Rieti, Sergio Perozzi, told state-run RAI
radio that there were downed buildings in the city center and that the
lights had gone out. He said he was unable to get in touch with
emergency responders or reach the hospital.
"What can I tell you? It's a tragedy,"'It's a drama,The area is gone. There are people under the rubble, I fear
there are deaths,” "Look there are houses that aren't here anymore. I hope we get some help.
