Death toll for Italy’s earthquake reaches 247

The death toll in the Italian earthquake has risen to 247 as thousands of rescuers continue efforts to find survivors.

Dozens are believed trapped in ruined Amatrice, Accumoli and Pescara del Tronto.

A strong aftershock, including a 4.7-magnitude tremor, was felt overnight near Norcia in central Italy, according to the US Geological Survey. It reportedly rocked already damaged buildings as the search for survivors went on through the night.

More than 4,300 rescuers are using heavy lifting equipment and their bare hands.

Many of the victims were children, Italian health minister Beatrice Lorenzin said, and there were warnings the toll could rise further.

The 6.2-magnitude quake hit small towns and villages in the mountainous area of Italy, 100km north-east of Rome, where the regions of Umbria, Lazio and Le Marche meet, at 03:36 on Wednesday.

People there spent the night outside or in tents provided by the emergency services.

The mayor of Amatrice said three-quarters of the town had been destroyed and no building was safe for habitation.