shutterstockAP
A 6.2 magnitude earthquake tore through a handful of mountainous towns in central Italy on Wednesday, killing at least 120 people and leaving thousands homeless.
The quake, which could be felt almost 100 miles away in Rome, struck in the early hours of the morning when most residents were asleep.
Advertisement
Italy sent army personnel to the affected area, while the Vatican said it mobilized several of its firemen to help. Crews could be seen combing through entire villages completely razed to the ground and pulling residents out from under piles of rubble.
The towns ravaged by the quake are steeped in history. Many of the buildings in Amatrice, for example, date back to the 13th century.
Check out some shots of the devastation below:
Giuseppe Bellini via Getty Images
Rescuers clear debris while searching for victims in damaged buildings on Aug. 24 in Arquata del Tronto, Italy.
Ciro Luca / Reuters
Rescuers carry a body away in Amatrice.
Remo Casilli / Reuters
A statue of the Virgin Lady stands outside a destroyed niche in Pescara del Tronto.
Advertisement
Ciro Luca / Reuters
People and rescuers stand next collapsed buildings in Amatrice.
Giuseppe Bellini via Getty Images
A general view of Pescara del Tronto destroyed by the earthquake.
Giuseppe Bellini via Getty Images
More damaged buildings in Arquata del Tronto.
Advertisement
Giuseppe Bellini via Getty Images
A cracked building facade in Arquata del Tronto.
Ciro Luca / Reuters
People sit along a road following an earthquake in Amatrice.
Giuseppe Bellini via Getty Images
75-year-old Rocco Girardi is rescued from the ruins in Arquata del Tronto.
Advertisement
Remo Casilli / Reuters
Rescuers amid the rubble in Pescara del Tronto.