Death Toll in Italy Quake Rises to 150

(NEWSER) - Aftershocks in the Abruzzo region of Italy this morning, including one with a magnitude of 5.2, hampered ongoing rescue efforts and spooked refugees still in the area, Reuters reports. Officials closed off the center of L’Aquila, where the latest tremors continued to damage the hard-hit town. Though rescuers fear there are no more survivors from Monday’s quake, efforts will continue through Sunday. More»

(NEWSER) - Rescuers today pulled a 20-year-old female student alive from the rubble of the earthquake in Italy, more than 42 hours after it struck, Sky News reports. "She's safe!" the woman's uncle told AP. She appears to be fine, except for a minor arm injury. As strong aftershocks rattled the area, the death toll rose to 235, with 15 still missing. Up to 25,000 people have been left homeless in central Italy. More»

Strong aftershocks, weather hamper rescue efforts

(NEWSER) - Strong aftershocks briefly halted the search for survivors and sent rescuers scrambling for safety in central Italy today, as the death toll from yesterday's earthquake hit 207. At least 1,500 people were injured and 17,000 were made homeless. One person was pulled alive from the rubble today after nearly 23 hours, reports the BBC, but hopes are fading for the 15 others still missing. More»

No survivors were found today

(NEWSER) - The first wave of funerals for Italy's earthquake victims took place today. In small towns throughout the ravaged Abruzzo region, thousands mourned the loss of their neighbors, BBC reports. A mass funeral will take place in the regional capital Friday, marking a national day of mourning. With aftershocks hampering rescue efforts, relief crews have shifted their focus to the 28,000 left homeless. The death toll is now at 272. More»

More expected as rescuers dig through rubble

(NEWSER) - The death toll from a powerful earthquake that devastated a province in Peru has reached 450, but the numbers are expected to rise even higher as rescuers dig through rubble. At least 1,500 have been injured. Government doctors have called off a national strike to care for the wounded, and the UN, US and EU have rushed to Peru's aid. More»