Earthquake in Italy

An earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale struck the Umbria region of central Italy, 65 miles northeast of Rome, on Aug. 24, killing at least 291 people, though that number may rise. Some small villages were completely destroyed, including Pescara del Tronto.  

As more than 4,000 rescue workers searched throughout the affected area, many survivors were found in the rubble. Aftershocks measuring up to 4.3 hit Umbria on Aug. 25, further damaging some buildings and hampering rescue attempts.