(VOVworld) – At least 250  people were killed in the 6.2 magnitude earthquake that hit central Italy early Wednesday. The Italian Civil Protection Agency confirmed that the dead were found inside and outside the towns of Amatrice, Accumoli, and Arquata del Tronto, which were the hardest hit by the quake. 

At least 159 people were killed in the 6.2 magnitude earthquake that hit central Italy early Wednesday (Source: VNA)

Earlier, the mayor of the town of Amatrice, Sergio Perozzi, said that many people are still trapped in collapsed buildings, as the rescue operation is still meeting with difficulty. French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed deeply sympathy for the Italian people, adding that the two countries are ready to offer any help that might be necessary to support the victims.