Italy earthquake: Shock, heartbreak, lingering fear (photos)

Damaged houses are pictured in the central Italian village of Amatrice, after a powerful earthquake rocked central Italy, on August 24. / AP

By Lee Han-soo, Park Si-soo

Rescue work is continuing in central Italy a day after a 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck the region.

Early Thursday, Italy’s civil protection authorities said 247 people were confirmed dead and at least 368 injured. Among the dead, 190 were from Rieti Province and 57 from neighboring Ascoli Piceno Province.

The quake hit at 3:36 a.m. (local time) Wednesday, 100km northeast of Rome.

Many victims were children because it was just days before a new school semester starts. The region was also celebrating famous festivals and many people were there on holiday.

Authorities expect the death toll to increase because many more people are believed trapped under the rubble. More than 4,300 workers using heavy lifting equipment and bare hands are involved in rescue efforts.

Rescuers carry a dog following an earthquake in Pescara del Tronto, Italy, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2016. / AP

A view of collapsed houses following an earthquake in Pescara Del Tronto, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2016. / AP

People walk in a tent camp near Pescara Del Tronto, Italy, Thursday, Aug. 25, 2016. / AP

People prepare to spend the night in a tent camp following an earthquake near Pescara Del Tronto, Italy, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2016. / AP

Rescuers search through debris following an earthquake in Pescara Del Tronto, Italy, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2016. / AP