Italy declares state of emergency in region hit by earthquake

In Italy, a day of national mourning has begun for the almost 300 people who died when a powerful 6.2 magnitude earthquake hit mountainous central regions early hours on Wednesday. 

Prime Minister Matteo Renzi is due to attend state funerals for victims from Arquata, one of the worst-hit towns. A state of emergency has been declared in affected areas and 50 million euros in funds pledged for rebuilding. 

The official



death toll stands at 278 and no survivors have been found since Wednesday evening. Despite this the authorities say they will continue the search until they are certain no-one is unaccounted for. 

Rescue efforts have been hampered by hundreds of aftershocks, with one severely damaging a key bridge into Amatrice.At least 388 people have been treated in hospital for their injuries while more than 2,000 people were made homeless.