Deadly quake in Italy

Over 90 people are dead this morning, another 1500 injured and between 40,000 and 50,000 newly homeless after an earthquake struck central Italy early this morning. The earthquake shook the town of L’Aquila, Italy, near Rome and officials say the death toll is 92 and rising.

Aftershocks delayed rescue efforts in the small Medieval hill town and historic buildings and homes are now rubble in the street.

Italy lies on two fault lines, so small rumbles aren’t rare, but this earthquake is the most intense since 2002, when 30 people died in Southern Italy.

Italian Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi has declared a state of emergency and asked town residents to brace for some tough times, as the thou sands of homeless people will have to find temporary shelter.

Rescuers are racing against the clock to find survivors in the heaps of stone rubble. For now, tents are going up on tennis courts and football fields to house the homeless.

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