Central Italy struck by magnitude 6.1 earthquake

Central Italy was rocked by a magnitude 6.1 earthquake in the early hours of the morning Wednesday, according to

the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre.

The earthquake struck just after 3:30 a.m. local time near Amatrice, a town in the province of Rieti. Residents in Rieti fled their homes and ran into the streets as the earthquake damaged buildings, the Associated Press reported. Blackouts have been reported.

Sergio Perozzi, mayor Amatrice, told state-run RAI radio that buildings had collapsed in the city center and light had gone out, AP reported. He said he could not get in touch with emergency responders or get to the hospital.


“What can I tell you? It’s a drama,” he said.