The facts
A powerful earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale struck central Italy at 3:47 AM local time. The epicenter was located near the town of Amatrice, approximately 100 kilometers northeast of Rome. The quake was felt across several regions, including Lazio and Marche.
The consequences
Initial reports indicate significant damage to buildings and infrastructure. Emergency services have been deployed to assess the situation. The government has announced a state of emergency and is coordinating rescue efforts to aid those affected. Casualties have yet to be confirmed as search and rescue operations continue.