Rescuer Calms Woman Trapped Under Rubble After Italy Earthquake

The 6.2-magnitude quake struck in the middle of the night.

ByABC News
August 24, 2016, 4:14 PM

— -- As rescue workers searched among debris in the wake of a deadly earthquake in Italy early this morning, video from Italy’s State Forestry Corp shows one rescue worker in the rural Italian town of Capodacqua trying to calm a woman who was trapped under the rubble of her home.

The death toll has reached 159 after the 6.2-magnitude quake struck in the middle of the night while many residents were asleep in their homes.

PHOTO: A man leans on a wall as the collapsed village of Pescara del Tronto, Italy, is seen behind him, Aug. 24 2016 following an earthquake.
A man leans on a wall as the collapsed village of Pescara del Tronto, Italy, is seen behind him, Aug. 24 2016 following an earthquake.
PHOTO: Firefighters search near a collapsed building in Amatrice Italy, Aug. 24, 2016.
Firefighters search near a collapsed building in Amatrice Italy, Aug. 24, 2016.

In the town of Amatrice, the damage was so extensive that its mayor told The Associated Press, "The town isn't here anymore."

Pope Francis replaced his weekly catechesis in St. Peter's Square with a heartfelt address.

"Hearing the mayor of Amatrice say that the town no longer exists, and learning there are children among the dead, I am deeply saddened," the pope said.

"I cannot fail but to express my heartfelt sorrow and spiritual closeness to all those in those zones afflicted," he added, offering "condolences to those who have lost love ones and my spiritual support to those who are anxious and afraid."

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