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Italy earthquake: Day of national mourning for victims Italy earthquake: Mass funeral for 34 victims
(about 1 hour 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 mass funeral is taking place in Italy for some of the 284 people killed in Wednesday's powerful earthquake.
Prime Minister Matteo Renzi is due to attend state funerals in the regional capital, Ascoli Piceno, for victims from the town of Arquata. The ceremony for 34 victims from the town of Arquata began at a sports hall in the regional capital, Ascoli Piceno.
President Sergio Mattarella visited Amatrice, the town with the most casualties, on Saturday morning. The coffins, laid out in rows on the floor, include two painted white for two children killed.
The death toll rose to 284 as more bodies were found overnight. The death toll from the quake, which struck a mountainous central region, rose overnight as more bodies were found.
The authorities say they will continue to search until they are certain everyone is accounted for. Prime Minister Matteo Renzi is among those attending the funeral.
President Sergio Mattarella earlier visited Amatrice, the town with the most casualties.
Most victims were Italian, but several foreigners were among those killed, including three Britons.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.
At the scene: Lucy Grey, BBC News, Ascoli PicenoAt the scene: Lucy Grey, BBC News, Ascoli Piceno
Preparations for today's funeral for dozens of those who lost their lives in the early hours of Wednesday morning were under way at first light.Preparations for today's funeral for dozens of those who lost their lives in the early hours of Wednesday morning were under way at first light.
Hearse after hearse arrived at the sports hall in the town of Ascoli Piceno.Hearse after hearse arrived at the sports hall in the town of Ascoli Piceno.
Undertakers carefully carried floral wreaths into the hall where the coffins of 34 victims from Arquata del Tronto are lined up, including those of two young children. One of the wreaths carried simply said "Mamma".Undertakers carefully carried floral wreaths into the hall where the coffins of 34 victims from Arquata del Tronto are lined up, including those of two young children. One of the wreaths carried simply said "Mamma".
In amongst the mourners and the media, there's a large security presence because both Italy's President and its Prime Minister will join the families to pay their respects.In amongst the mourners and the media, there's a large security presence because both Italy's President and its Prime Minister will join the families to pay their respects.
More aftershocks were registered in the early hours of Saturday, one with a magnitude of four.More aftershocks were registered in the early hours of Saturday, one with a magnitude of four.
The ground beneath Accumoli, another severely affected village, sank 20cm (8in) as a result of the earthquake, satellite images obtained by Italy's scientific authorities show.The ground beneath Accumoli, another severely affected village, sank 20cm (8in) as a result of the earthquake, satellite images obtained by Italy's scientific authorities show.
Flags are due to fly at half mast across the country on Saturday as the country remembers victims of the quake. Flags are flying at half mast across the country as Italy remembers victims of the quake.
More than 200 people died in Amatrice alone. Along with Arquata and Accumoli, Pescara del Tronto was also hard-hit.More than 200 people died in Amatrice alone. Along with Arquata and Accumoli, Pescara del Tronto was also hard-hit.
First funeral Many bodies have also 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 emergency funds, Mr Renzi cancelled taxes for residents and announced a new initiative, "Italian Homes", to tackle criticism over shoddy construction. In addition to emergency funds, PM 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.
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