Devastating quake rocks central Italy

At least 38 people died last night when a powerful earthquake struck central Italy, leveling the town of Amatrice and causing severe destruction in neighboring villages. The death toll is expected to rise as search crews dig through the rubble of collapsed houses. The magnitude 6 temblor rattled residents as far away as Rome, where people described feeling one long sway followed by a series of aftershocks. Officials estimate several hundred people suffered injuries and thousands will need temporary housing. “I don’t know what to say. We are living this immense tragedy,” said the Rev. Savino D’Amelio, a parish priest in Amatrice. “We are only hoping there will be the least number of victims possible and that we all have the courage to move on.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.