DHAKA: More than 160 people have died and at least 368 were injured in the earthquake that struck central Italy on Wednesday, officials said.

Many people are still believed to be buried under rubble and more than 4,300 rescuers are using heavy lifting equipment and bare hands to find them, reports the BBC.

The rescuers have searched through the night for survivors following the earthquake in a mountainous area of central Italy.

Quoting Italy’s health minister, BBC also said many of the victims were children and there were warnings the toll could rise further.

BDST: 0827 HRS, AUG 25, 2016
SR