Update: Italian officials have raised the death count to at least 73, according to The Associated Press. The head of the Immacolata Postiglione, the Italian emergency service, said at a press conference that the numbers were still provisional as rescue operations continue.
Update: August 23, 2016, 6:45 a.m.: The death toll now stands at 37 and 150 people are also reported missing, according to the BBC. Italian premier Matteo Renzi thanked rescuers on the scene and added that he would visit the affected areas later this afternoon, ABC News reports.
Update: August 23, 2016, 5:30 a.m.: The BBC reports that at least 21 people have died in the earthquake, with many more trapped under rubble. The village of Pescara del Tronto is said to have suffered the most casualties.
This story was originally published on August 23, 2016.
An earthquake hit central Italy at 3:36 a.m. Wednesday morning local time, Reuters reports.
The epicenter is located close to the town of Norcia. Rome was also affected.
The U.S. Geological Survey has issued a red alert, which indicates a high level of damage, according to The Telegraph.
"It was the worst (quake) of my life," Matteo Berlenga, a resident of Umbria, told Reuters. A fire department representative told the news service that several buildings were damaged.
The mayor of Amatrice said "half of the town is gone," The Telegraph reported.
The only confirmed casualties so far are an older couple who died in their house.
Arquata del Tronto. Adesso. #terremoto pic.twitter.com/KvGUDiWQqU
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 24, 2016
#Norcia #terremoto @mante pic.twitter.com/8y3UEY8KQq
— elisabetta favale (@elisabettafaval) August 24, 2016
This is a developing story . Check back for updates.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Update: Ryan Lochte Is Getting Dropped By Sponsors Over False Robbery Claims