6.2 Earthquake strikes central Italy

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Preliminary 6.2 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Italy; Major Damage Reported

Major damage was reported in the town of Amatrice, a town of about 2,700 in the province of Rieti. Mayor Sergio Pirozzi said the quake was "a tragedy," and added that there was no electricity in the town that had been reduced to rubble.

"I'm trying to contact the services. The town doesn't exist anymore," he told Radio Rai, as reported by the Telegraph. "The ancient doors have come down. We need help from the civic protection."

Social media users in Rome reported feeling the ground move during the earthquake. Many residents woke up and evacuated their homes near the epicenter, according to posts on social media.