Locals Seek Aid As Aftershocks Hit Italian Quake Zone And Death Toll Rises
Aftershocks continued to hit central Italy following Monday’s 6.3-magnitude quake that has so far killed at least 260 people and left tens of thousands homeless.
Pope Benedict promised on Wednesday that he would visit the area as soon as possible and praised relief operations.
The quake hit L’Aquila and its surrounding towns, flattening buildings and reducing entire blocks to rubble. Thousands have been forced out of their homes and have been living in makeshift tent camps.
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Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi reported from the quake area that 16 children are among the dead, and he estimated that of those injured 100 were in serious condition. He condemned looters and said his government would seek to increase penalties for anyone found guilty of the crime.
