DEATH TOLL CONTINUES TO RISE IN ITALY

After yesterdays devastating 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck the central province of Italy on Wednesday rescue workers have been continuously working effortlessly to rescue trapped victims that are still buried under the rubble of buildings and homes. As rescue workers continue their efforts to rescue trapped victims officials have stated the death toll has risen to approximately 279 with expectancy of the death toll to rise.

(PHOTO PROVIDED BY PEOPLE.COM SHOW MOTHER HOLDING HER SON TIGHT AS FAMILIES AND RESCUE WORKERS CONTINUE TO SEARCH FOR LOVED ONES)

Italy's office of Ministry Affairs released a statement Wednesday saying; The Ministry for Foreign Affairs has no reports of any Maltese who sustained injuries or otherwise due to the earthquake which hit central Italy during the night.

Officials continued to state that the Embassy in Rome on Wednesday morning was in contact with registered Maltese families living in the area hit by the earthquake to offer any assistance if needed. The Embassy is also in constant contact with the Italian authorities to learn of any Maltese needing assistance.

Since the area hit by the earthquake is very popular with tourists at this time of year, relatives in Malta are being asked to contact the numbers below to report any relatives travelling to the region and who have not contacted home since the earthquake.

(PHOTO COURTESY OF INDIANEXPRESS SHOWS RESCUE WORKERS CONDUCTING RESCUE OPERATIONS TO FIND VICTIMS)

All Maltese in Italy, who need assistance following the earthquake in central Italy during the night, should contact the Embassy of Malta in Rome on +39 348 241 2437 or the Ministry for Foreign Affairs on +356 21242191 or by email on crisis.mfa@gov.mt.

On behalf of the Maltese Government, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr George W. Vella extends condolences to the relatives of the victims and augurs a speedy recovery to those injured.

#EarthInItaly #Italyearthquake