Weather and Natural Disasters

Scenes from the latest earthquake to rock central Italy

A general view of Norcia following a massive earthquake yesterday morning on October 31, 2016
Giuseppe Bellini | Getty Images News | Getty Images

On Sunday, a powerful 6.6-magnitude earthquake sent shock-waves across the center of Italy, in the latest set of tremors to rock the region.

While no deaths have yet to be reported, the quake — which took place near the town of Norcia in the early hours — is reportedly the strongest one to strike Italy since 1980.

The natural disaster is the latest of many to hit Italy, with a number of earthquakes taking place in the past few months, including one which killed close to 300 citizens in late August.

Here are some of the scenes of devastation from the latest quake.


Cracks appear

A fireman looks at cracks on the road outside the center of Norcia after a 6.6 magnitude earthquake on October 30, 2016.
ALBERTO PIZZOLI | AFP | Getty Images

Outside the center of the town of Norcia, a fireman peers into the cracks on the road, created after the 6.6-magnitude quake.

A destroyed Basilica

A picture shows a statue of St Benedict next to the destroyed Basilica of St Benedict in the historic center of Norcia, on October 31, 2016,
ALBERTO PIZZOLI | AFP | Getty Images

A statue of St Benedict remains standing, after a 6.6 magnitude earthquake destroyed the Basilica of St Benedict in the historic center of Norcia.

A rescue operation is underway

Members of the 'Protezione civile' attend a meeting to discuss the rescue operation after a 6.6 magnitude earthquake hit central Italy
Awakening | Getty Images News | Getty Images

Members from protezione civile gather in Perugia, Italy, to discuss what to do next.


Pope Francis prays for victims

Pope Francis blesses the crowd from the window of the apostolic palace overlooking St Peter's square during the Sunday Angelus prayer
VINCENZO PINTO | AFP | Getty Images

Pope Francis speaks to the crowd during his Sunday Angelus prayer. In the address, he said he prayed for the injured and for the families of those who had suffered major damage, as well as those involved in the rescue mission.

Getting food supplies ready

People and 'protezione civile' start to prepare the food for the families that still stay in Preci
Awakening | Getty Images News | Getty Images

Members of the public work together with protezione civile to prepare food for those who are staying in the municipality of Preci, Italy.

Damaged buildings

A general view of damaged buildings in Arquata del Tronto following a massive earthquake this morning on October 30.
Giuseppe Bellini | Getty Images News| Getty Images

In Arquata del Tronto, several buildings are damaged following a powerful earthquake on Sunday.

Finding shelter indoors

People rest in a temporary camp in Preci on October 30, 2016 in Perugia
Awakening | Getty Images News | Getty Images

People find refuge and rest in a temporary camp in the municipality of Preci, Italy.

Taking travel precautions

The metro station Basilica di San Paolo in Rome, closed as a precautionary measure after the earthquake felt in the morning, on October 30, 2016.
Jacopo Landi | NurPhoto | Getty Images

People stand outside Rome's metro station, Basilica di San Paolo, which was closed as a precautionary measure on Sunday following the quake.

Help is on hand

Medics work outside the hospital of Norcia after a 6.6 magnitude earthquake on October 30, 2016 in Norcia.
ALBERTO PIZZOLI | AFP | Getty Images

Outside the hospital of Norcia in Italy, a medic hands out supplies following the latest quake to hit the country.

Police on the scene

A policeman leaves the centre of Norcia after a 6.6 magnitude earthquake hit central Italy early on Sunday morning
Awakening | Getty Images News | Getty Images

Following the earthquake on Sunday morning, a policeman leaves the center of Norcia.

Monks come to Norcia

Monks of the order of St Benedict arrive to enter in the historic center of Norcia, on October 31, 2016
ALBERTO PIZZOLI | AFP | Getty Images

A day after the quake, monks of the order of St Benedict arrive to enter in the historic center of Norcia.

People gathering together after the quake

People rest at a gathering point outside the historic center of Norcia on October 30, 2016 after a 6.6 magnitude earthquake hit central Italy
FILIPPO MONTEFORTE | AFP | Getty Images

Following the latest Italian earthquake, locals rest at a gathering point outside the historic center of Norcia.

The latest we know

Firefighter Cari Luca (L), head of the communication, speaks to the press in the historic center of Norcia, on October 31, 2016,
ALBERTO PIZZOLI | AFP | Getty Images

On the left, firefighter Cari Luca speaks to the press in the historic center of Norcia, a day after a 6.6-magnitude earthquake hit Italy.