Italian earthquake claims 250 dead

As the sun rose over L’Aquila today revealing further destruction, there was more gloom with the news that the town’s death toll has also risen.

Two days after a powerful earthquake hit the mountainous region of Abruzzo in central Italy, the number of dead now stands at 250. Around 100 people of some 1,000 injured also remain in a critical condition. Large aftershocks continue to hamper the best efforts of rescue teams, also claiming another victim who died of a heart attack. The strongest on Tuesday night, spreading panic, toppled buildings including more damage to the town’s basilica. But Tuesday also brought hope after the extraordinary rescue of a 20-year-old woman found in the rubble of a four-storey building, 42 hours after the quake. While the first funeral of a victim is due to take place later today, search teams have been given more time to look for survivors before the heavy machinery moves in.More about: Earthquake, Italy

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