Scores Feared Dead after Massive Earthquake Hits Italy (Photos)

A strong earthquake hit central Italy, leaving terrified residents huddled outside collapsed buildings overnight and an unknown number of people trapped beneath the rubble. At least 14 people died following the 6.2-magnitude earthquake early Wednesday.

The earthquake hit 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) southeast of Norcia at 3:36 a.m., the United States Geological Survey said. Its tremors rattled Rome -- about 100 miles away.

Survivors have described 'apocalyptic' scenes in towns and villages near the city of Perugia - the capital of the tourist-packed Umbrian region, which is especially popular with British holidaymakers.

At least 10 are feared dead in the earthquake after people were crushed by falling buildings or suffocated by the rubble - rescuers have pulled out several from the ruins but can still hear voices from below.

The mayor of Accumoli, Stefano Petrucci, said this morning: 'My town isn't here anymore' as people were carried out of ruined buildings on stretchers and people desperately searched the debris for survivors or sobbed as they inspected their own ruined homes.

The first victims of the devastating quake were an elderly couple whose home collapsed in Pescara del Tronto, in the Marche region, around ten miles from the epicentre. A family of four were also reported dead in the town of Accumoli, including two children.