L’Aquila marks earthquake one year on

One year to the day, Italy has remembered its earthquake dead. 308 bell tolls were rung, one for each person killed in the natural disaster.

For many residents, it was a moment of sombre reflection. More than 1600 people were hurt in the catastrophe and an estimated 60,000 more were made homeless when the 6.2 quake struck at 3.32 in the morning local time.

Earlier, thousands of people gathered for a vigil with many carrying candles in the hope of a brighter future for the ring fenced central Italian town.

Despite initial praise for the government led recovery operation, many residents remain frustrated that 12 months on, no clear plan exists to rebuild the historic centre of L’Aquila.

Most of the town remains out of bounds, and some fear it could become a modern day Pompeii.

Many now blame the government, but local authorities say normal life may not return for up to a decade or more.

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