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Italy quake death toll tops 150


Image: Searching rubble at night


A man walks through rubble in L'Aquila, Italy

Firemen search for victims into the night Monday in L'Aquila, Italy, following the quake at 3:30 a.m. local time. A dozen aftershocks during the day frayed nerves even further.


L'AQUILA, Italy - Rescue workers using bare hands and buckets searched frantically for students believed buried in a wrecked dormitory after Italy's deadliest quake in nearly three decades struck this medieval city before dawn Monday, killing more than 150 people, injuring 1,500 and leaving tens of thousands homeless.


The 6.3-magnitude earthquake buckled both ancient and modern buildings in and around L'Aquila, snuggled in a valley surrounded by the snowcapped Apennines' tallest peaks.


It also took a severe toll on the centuries-old castles and churches in the mountain stronghold dating from the Middle Ages, and the Culture Ministry drew up a list of landmarks that were damaged, including collapsed bell towers and cupolas.



Grim scene

Image: A police officer in front of a damaged building

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