This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-37198040
The article has changed 12 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| Italy earthquake: Day of national mourning for victims | Italy earthquake: Day of national mourning for victims |
| (about 3 hours later) | |
| A day of national mourning has begun in Italy for the almost 300 people who died when a powerful earthquake hit mountainous central regions. | A day of national mourning has begun in Italy for the almost 300 people who died when a powerful earthquake hit mountainous central regions. |
| Prime Minister Matteo Renzi is due to attend state funerals for victims from Arquata, one of the worst-hit towns. | Prime Minister Matteo Renzi is due to attend state funerals for victims from Arquata, one of the worst-hit towns. |
| A state of emergency has been declared in affected areas and €50m (£42m) in funds pledged for rebuilding. | A state of emergency has been declared in affected areas and €50m (£42m) in funds pledged for rebuilding. |
| The official death toll stands at 278 and no survivors have been found since Wednesday evening. | The official death toll stands at 278 and no survivors have been found since Wednesday evening. |
| Despite this the authorities say they will continue the search until they are certain no-one is unaccounted for. | Despite this the authorities say they will continue the search until they are certain no-one is unaccounted for. |
| Most victims were Italian, but several foreigners were among those killed, including three Britons. | |
| Rescue efforts have been hampered by hundreds of aftershocks, with one severely damaging a key bridge into Amatrice. | Rescue efforts have been hampered by hundreds of aftershocks, with one severely damaging a key bridge into Amatrice. |
| "Let's hope it doesn't collapse or the town will be cut off from both sides," said Mayor Sergio Pirozzi. | "Let's hope it doesn't collapse or the town will be cut off from both sides," said Mayor Sergio Pirozzi. |
| Flags are due to fly at half mast across the country on Saturday as the country remembers victims of the quake. | Flags are due to fly at half mast across the country on Saturday as the country remembers victims of the quake. |
| More than 200 people died in Amatrice alone, with Arquata, Accumoli and Pescara del Tronto also hard-hit. | More than 200 people died in Amatrice alone, with Arquata, Accumoli and Pescara del Tronto also hard-hit. |
| First funeral | First funeral |
| Many bodies have been brought to a makeshift morgue in an aircraft hangar in the city of Rieti, where relatives have been identifying loved ones. | Many bodies have been brought to a makeshift morgue in an aircraft hangar in the city of Rieti, where relatives have been identifying loved ones. |
| The first funeral for one of the earthquake's victims was held on Friday, for the son of a state official who died in Amatrice. | The first funeral for one of the earthquake's victims was held on Friday, for the son of a state official who died in Amatrice. |
| At least 388 people have been treated in hospital for their injuries while more than 2,000 people were made homeless. | At least 388 people have been treated in hospital for their injuries while more than 2,000 people were made homeless. |
| The 6.2-magnitude quake hit in the early hours of Wednesday, 100km (65 miles) north-east of Rome. | The 6.2-magnitude quake hit in the early hours of Wednesday, 100km (65 miles) north-east of Rome. |
| Italy's government has been criticised for failing to prevent deaths after the 2009 earthquake in nearby L'Aquila left 300 dead. | Italy's government has been criticised for failing to prevent deaths after the 2009 earthquake in nearby L'Aquila left 300 dead. |
| Historic towns do not have to conform to anti-quake building regulations, which are also often not applied when new buildings are put up. | Historic towns do not have to conform to anti-quake building regulations, which are also often not applied when new buildings are put up. |
| In addition to the funds, Mr Renzi cancelled taxes for residents and announced a new initiative, "Italian Homes", to tackle criticism over shoddy construction. | In addition to the funds, Mr Renzi cancelled taxes for residents and announced a new initiative, "Italian Homes", to tackle criticism over shoddy construction. |
| But he also said that it was "absurd" to think that Italy could build completely quake-proof buildings. | But he also said that it was "absurd" to think that Italy could build completely quake-proof buildings. |
| Are you in the areas directly affected by the earthquake? You can email us at haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk with your stories and please include a telephone number if you are happy to speak with a BBC journalist. | Are you in the areas directly affected by the earthquake? You can email us at haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk with your stories and please include a telephone number if you are happy to speak with a BBC journalist. |
| You can also contact us in the following ways: | You can also contact us in the following ways: |
| Or use the form below | Or use the form below |