More bodies found five days after devastating earthquake

AMATRICE: Italian rescuers believe they have located more bodies in the ruined town of Amatrice, five days after a devastating earthquake struck central Italy, killing at least 290 people.

Residents of the town said up to 10 people were still missing and emergency services said they had located three corpses in Amatrice’s Hotel Roma, which, like much of the historic centre, was wrecked by last week’s quake.

“I am certain there is one more person (in the hotel), because it is my uncle,” said deputy mayor Gianluca Carloni. “It is vital to finish, as soon as possible, this initial (search) phase to make sure there are no more bodies under the rubble.”

The Civil Protection Department yesterday lowered the official death toll to 290 from a previously given 291.

A number of foreigners were among the dead, including 11 Romanians, the foreign ministry in Bucharest said. Many Romanians work in Italy and Bucharest said 14 of its nationals were still unaccounted for.

Museums across Italy will donate proceeds from yesterday’s ticket sales to help the rebuilding effort and soccer teams held a minute’s silence before their weekend matches out of respect for the victims.

Pope Francis led prayers for the dead in his weekly address in Rome, saying he wanted to go to the earthquake zone to bring comfort to the survivors. “Dear brothers and sisters, as soon as it is possible, I hope to come and visit you.” – Reuters