6.2 magnitude quake hits Italy

At least 73 people have been killed following a magnitude 6.2 earthquake in central Italy this morning, which destroyed three small towns as residents slept.

According to reports, the quake struck at 3:36 a.m. local time, destroying the towns of Amatrice and Accumoli near Rieti, 100 kilometres northeast of Rome (where the quake could be felt), as well as Pescara del Tronto. Hundreds of injuries have been reported as rescue workers continue to search for survivors.

The affected areas are popular vacation spots in Italy during the summer months, according to the Associated Press.