MOSCOW (Sputnik) – The 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck Italy's central regions at around 3:36 a.m. local time (01:36 GMT), resulting in serious damage and loss of life.
The epicenter of the earthquake was located near the village of Accumoli in the metropolitan region of Lazio.
Ten people were killed in the commune of Arquata del Tronto and 27 others died in the area around Accumoli and the town of Amatrice, the Agenparl news agency reported. The death toll from the tragedy is expected to rise.
Earlier local media reported that at least 100 people were considered missing after the earthquake in Pescara del Tronto. A hospital in Amatrice was reportedly evacuated because of structural damage but none of the patients was injured.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella called on the nation to show solidarity and pointed out that it is necessary to restore the devastated areas.
"This is a moment of pain and of a call for joint responsibility. The whole country should come together with solidarity for the affected populations. My first thoughts are with all the victims of this devastating earthquake, which struck such a large part of the national territory… A quick, united effort will be necessary soon to guarantee the reconstruction of destroyed centers, the resumption of productive activity and the restoration of normality of life," Mattarella said in a statement.
Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a message to Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi expressing condolences after the earthquake and offering Russia's assistance in coping with the aftermath, the Kremlin press service said.
