Italy declares national day of mourning for earthquake victims

A day of national mourning has begun in Italy for the 284 people who  have been confirmed dead after a powerful earthquake hit three mountainous central regions.


Prime Minister Matteo Renzi is due to attend state funerals in the regional capital, Ascoli Piceno, for victims from the town of Arquata.

President Sergio Mattarella visited Amatrice, the town with the most casualties, on Saturday morning.

The death toll rose to 284 as more bodies were found overnight.

The authorities say they will continue to search until they are certain everyone is accounted for.

Most victims were Italian, but several foreigners were among those killed

Many bodies have been brought to a makeshift morgue in an aircraft hangar in the city of Rieti, where relatives have been identifying loved ones.

The first funeral for one of the earthquake's victims was held on Friday, for the son of a state official who died in Amatrice.

Nearly 388 people have been treated in hospital for their injuries another 2,100 people are homeless.

Image Credits: AP