The 6.2 magnitude quake that struck the central region of Italy earlier today has claimed at least 23 lives, it has been confirmed.
Rescue teams are searching through the rubble, looking for survivors.
The town of Amatrice in the Lazio region, one of the hardest hit, has ceased to exist, according to local authorities.
The effects of the powerful earthquake were felt as far as Rome, about 80 miles away from the epicentre.
The death toll is expected to rise.