179 killed in Italian earthquake

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Source: CCTV.com | 04-07-2009 19:55

179 people are confirmed dead after Italy's worst earthquake in years. More than 30 hours have passed since the central part of the country was hit early on Monday, and dozens are still missing. Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has declared a national emergency.

Three people cover themselves with a blanket as they take  a rest in L'aquila, Italy, early April 7, 2009. The strong earthquake that hit central Italy on Monday has killed at least 179 people, injured some 1,500 and left around 70,000 homeless, Italian media reported on Tuesday.(Xinhua/Wu Wei)

The 5.8-magnitude earthquake, centered near the city of L'Aquila, happened at about 3:30 local time.

So far, rescuers have saved over 100 people with the government helping tens of thousands of wounded and homeless. Officials estimate two-thirds of the buildings in L'Aquila have been ruined and about 200 aftershocks have been registered.

Prime Minister Berlusconi has pledged 30 million euros for immediate assistance. He's also promised to seek hundreds of million euros from EU disaster funds.

Editor:Zhang Ning