A state of emergency has been declared for areas worst affected by a devastating earthquake in Italy that has so far claimed 267 lives.
The Italian government has pledged 50-million-euro to the rescue effort and announced a new initiative to address criticism over shoddy construction.
267 are now confirmed dead and hopes of finding more survivors are fading.
Paddy Agnew, Rome Correspondent for the Irish Times, says the rescue operation has been hampered by strong aftershocks:
Despite the difficult conditions, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi says no stone will be left unturned in the rescue effort:
In response to criticism over building works in the area, PM Renzi also announced a new initiative called “Italian Homes” but said it was absurd to think Italy could build completely quake-proof buildings.
