A 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck central Italy around 3:30 a.m. local time Wednesday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake was felt approximately 100 miles southwest in Italy's capital, Rome.

The government has not said how many people were wounded or killed in the natural disaster.

The town of Norcia in the province of Perugia was hit hardest. USGS issued a red alert following the quake, indicating "extensive damage is probable and the disaster is likely widespread."

The mayor of Amatrice, Italy, Sergio Perozzi, said early Wednesday residents were buried under debris of collapsed buildings and the town "isn't here anymore," according to the Associated Press. Perozzi also said he was unable to get in touch with first responders or contact the hospital.


Aftershocks continued throughout the region.

The last major earthquake to hit Italy was in 2009, when a 6.3-magnitude quake hit the same region and killed more than 300 people.