In Italy, officials say 159 people have been killed by an earthquake. The magnitude 6.0 quake struck several small towns in the central city of Rieti early Wednesday. Tremors were felt about 150 kilometers away in Rome.

An injured man is carried away following an earthquake in Amatrice, central Italy, August 24, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

This was the country’s most powerful earthquake since the 2009 disaster in L’Aquila. Italy’s earthquake institute reported at least 150 aftershocks in the 12 hours following the initial quake.

Officials warn the death toll is expected to rise, as hundreds remain injured, some critically; and an unknown number of people are still trapped under rubble.

People cover themselves with blankets as they prepare to spend the night in the open following an earthquake in Amatrice, central Italy, August 24, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]