Magnitude 6.1 quake hits central Italy,entire town of Amatrice feared buried

A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck central Italy early Wednesday, with reports of damaged buildings and blackouts near the epicenter Rieti and residents fleeing their homes and running into the streets.

 The quake struck just after 3:30 a.m. and was felt across a broad section of central Italy, including the capital Rome where people in homes in the historic center felt a long swaying followed by aftershocks.

According to AP, the mayor of Amatrice near Rieti, Sergio Perozzi, told state-run RAI radio that there were downed buildings in the city center and that the lights had gone out. He said he was unable to get in touch with emergency responders or reach the hospital.

"What can I tell you? It's a tragedy,"'It's a drama,The area is gone. There are people under the rubble, I fear there are deaths,” "Look there are houses that aren't here anymore. I hope we get some help.