Italy holds day of mourning for quake victims

(Vatican Radio) A national day of mourning was held throughout Italy on Saturday in remembrance of the nearly 300 people killed during Wednesday’s earthquake.

Listen to Ann Schneible’s report:

Twenty-one children are among the at least 281 people confirmed dead after the earthquake struck central Italy in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

A state funeral for 35 of the victims is set to be held Saturday in the Italian city of Ascoli Piceno. Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi is set to attend the funeral.

Rescue efforts continue as emergency crews look for survivors, including in the hardest hit town of Amatrice.

Authorities have said nearly 400 people are being treated for injuries in hospitals, and 40 of them are in critical condition.

An estimated 2,500 people have been left homeless by the 6.2 earthquake, which levelled homes in the mountainous region.

It is the deadliest earthquake since the 2009 quake in L’Aquila which claimed over 300 lives.