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Several killed in Italian quake Powerful Italian quake kills many
(30 minutes later)
At least 20 people have been killed in a powerful earthquake that struck central Italy, Italian officials say. At least 27 people have been killed in a powerful earthquake that struck central Italy, Italian officials say.
Five children are said to be among the dead and at least 30 people remain unaccounted for as a massive search for the trapped is under way.Five children are said to be among the dead and at least 30 people remain unaccounted for as a massive search for the trapped is under way.
The 6.3-magnitude quake struck in the early hours close to the medieval city of L'Aquila, 95km (60 miles) from Rome.The 6.3-magnitude quake struck in the early hours close to the medieval city of L'Aquila, 95km (60 miles) from Rome.
A civil protection official told the BBC that 3,000 to 10,000 buildings in the city may have been damaged.A civil protection official told the BBC that 3,000 to 10,000 buildings in the city may have been damaged.
Agostino Miozzo said that thousands of people could have been made homeless.Agostino Miozzo said that thousands of people could have been made homeless.
Earlier, the mayor of L'Aquila, Massimo Cialente, said some 100,000 people had left their homes.Earlier, the mayor of L'Aquila, Massimo Cialente, said some 100,000 people had left their homes.
A university dormitory, churches and a bell tower are believed to be among the buildings that had collapsed.A university dormitory, churches and a bell tower are believed to be among the buildings that had collapsed.
TV footage showed residents and rescuers working through the debris from collapsed buildings, and bloodied residents being taken to hospital.TV footage showed residents and rescuers working through the debris from collapsed buildings, and bloodied residents being taken to hospital.
The death toll has been rising steadily throughout the morning. The latest from Ansa news agency is that 27 people were now dead.
Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has declared a state of emergency, and is reported to have cancelled a visit to Moscow.
AftershocksAftershocks
The earthquake happened at 0332 (0132 GMT), hours after a 4.6-magnitude tremor shook the area but caused no reported damage.The earthquake happened at 0332 (0132 GMT), hours after a 4.6-magnitude tremor shook the area but caused no reported damage.
Thousands of the city's 70,000 residents ran into the streets in panic during the 30 second tremor.Thousands of the city's 70,000 residents ran into the streets in panic during the 30 second tremor.
L'AQUILA Medieval city, founded in the 13th CenturyCapital of the mountainous Abruzzo regionPopulation 70,000, with many thousands more tourists and foreign studentsWalled city with narrow streets, lined by Baroque and Renaissance buildings In pictures: Italy earthquake L'AQUILA Medieval city, founded in the 13th CenturyCapital of the mountainous Abruzzo regionPopulation 70,000, with many thousands more tourists and foreign studentsWalled city with narrow streets, lined by Baroque and Renaissance buildings In pictures: Italy earthquake
A student dormitory was said to be one of the buildings badly damaged. It was not clear if anyone remained trapped inside.A student dormitory was said to be one of the buildings badly damaged. It was not clear if anyone remained trapped inside.
One student told Rai state TV that he managed to escape the building before the roof collapsed.One student told Rai state TV that he managed to escape the building before the roof collapsed.
Public safety chief Guido Bertolaso warned of "numerous victims, many injured and so many collapsed homes" as he travelled to the scene, Ansa news agency reported.Public safety chief Guido Bertolaso warned of "numerous victims, many injured and so many collapsed homes" as he travelled to the scene, Ansa news agency reported.
Correspondents say that L'Aquila, capital of the mountainous Abruzzo region, has many old buildings not built to withstand a strong earthquake.Correspondents say that L'Aquila, capital of the mountainous Abruzzo region, has many old buildings not built to withstand a strong earthquake.
Even some modern structures on the outskirts of the city were reported to have collapsed.Even some modern structures on the outskirts of the city were reported to have collapsed.
The earthquake was also felt in Rome, where the BBC correspondent said he was woken up by the shaking.The earthquake was also felt in Rome, where the BBC correspondent said he was woken up by the shaking.
Powerful earthquakes are relatively rare in Italy. In 2002, an earthquake in the southern Italian town of San Giuliano di Puglia killed more than 20 people.Powerful earthquakes are relatively rare in Italy. In 2002, an earthquake in the southern Italian town of San Giuliano di Puglia killed more than 20 people.
In 1997, 13 people died when a strong earthquake struck Italy's central region.In 1997, 13 people died when a strong earthquake struck Italy's central region.
Have you been affected by the earthquake? You can send us your experiences using the form below:Have you been affected by the earthquake? You can send us your experiences using the form below:
You can send pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk,text them to +44 7725 100 100 or you have a large file you can click here to upload.You can send pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk,text them to +44 7725 100 100 or you have a large file you can click here to upload.
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