6.2 Earthquake Italy- Major Damage

 
High chance of multiple fatalities and economic loss.

A 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck central Italy at 3:36 a.m. local time Wednesday morning (9:36 p.m. EDT Tuesday night), according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The tremor occurred at a depth of 6.2 miles, the USGS also reported. The quake's epicenter was 4.1 miles west-northwest of Accumoli, Italy, and about 70 miles northeast of Rome.

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Major damage was reported in the town of Amatrice, a town of about 2,700 in the province of Rieti. Mayor Sergio Pirozzi said the quake was "a tragedy," and added that there was no electricity in the town that had been reduced to rubble.

"I'm trying to contact the services. The town doesn't exist anymore," he told Radio Rai, as reported by the Telegraph. "The ancient doors have come down. We need help from the civic protection."

Social media users in Rome reported feeling the ground move during the earthquake. Many residents woke up and evacuated their homes near the epicenter, according to posts on social media.

Preliminary 6.2 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Italy; Major Damage Reported | Weather Underground:



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