Powerful Earthquake strikes Mountainous region of central Italy 

Thousands of rescuers have searched through the night for survivors following yesterday's earthquake in a mountainous area of central Italy. 

Officials say two hundred and 47 people have died and at least three hundred 68 injured. 
 
Many are still believed to be buried under rubble and more than four thousand 300 rescuers are using heavy lifting equipment and bare hands to find them. 

The health minister says many of the victims were children and has cautioned that the toll could rise further.
GBC