At least 73 people were reported killed and dozens more were missing or feared dead Wednesday after a magnitude-6.2 earthquake and a series of aftershocks struck several towns in central Italy, toppling scores of buildings, according to Italy’s civil protection agency.
The army was mobilized to help with special heavy equipment and the treasury released 235 million euros ($265 million) of emergency funds.
"Three quarters of the town is not there anymore," Amatrice mayor Sergio Pirozzi told state broadcaster RAI.
"The aim now is to save as many lives as possible.
There are voices under the rubble, we have to save the people there."