38 Dead in Devastating 6.2 Magnitude Quake That Strikes Central Italy(Watch Photos With Caution )

The shallow quake, estimated to have struck after 3:30am at a depth of six miles, was felt across a broad section of central Italy, including the capital Rome where people in homes in the historic centre felt a long swaying followed by aftershocks.

At least 38 people were reportedly killed in the 6.2 magnitude quake, which sent residents fleeing their homes and running into the streets. A family of four were also trapped under the rubble and showing no signs of life.

In a statement Matteo Renzi, the Italian Prime Minister, thanked rescue crews and said he is on his way to the earthquake zone.

Amatrice Mayor, Sergio Pirozzi, says he expects the death toll will rise substantially. “There are tens of victims, many of them still under the rubble,” he told news agency Ansa. “We are preparing a place where we can put the bodies.” The population of Amatrice is around 2,646.

Stefano Petrucci, mayor of Accumoli, a town of 635, has said that after walking through the town, none of the houses seemed habitable anymore. “We will need tents for the whole population,” he said, according to La Stampa.