As reported by CNN, a A strong, shallow earthquake hit central Italy early Wednesday, August 24, 2016, killing at least 37 people and leaving rescuers desperately digging through the rubble to free survivors. Many of the dead from the 6.2-magnitude earthquake were from three badly-affected villages in a mountainous area.
The deaths included 10 people in the village of Pescara del Tronto, six in Accumoli and five in Amatrice, Rai reported, adding that children were among the victims.
According to the United States Geological Survey, the earthquake hit 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) southeast of Norcia at 3:36 a.m., and was about 10 kilometers deep. Its tremors rattled Rome -- about 100 miles away.
Authorities say they cannot put a figure on the number trapped under the rubble, but the death toll is expected to rise.
Get earthquake in Italy live updates at CNN.
Tip! Learn some things to do to prepare for an earthquake and what to do once the ground starts shaking at National Geographic.