Aftershocks in quake-hit Italy, toll touches 235

Strong aftershocks rocked the Italian city of L'Aquila overnight, raining fresh debris as rescuers pulled more earthquake survivors from the rubble and the death toll climbed to 235.

The government rushed to provide shelter for survivors who were second night away from their homes, and police were patrolling the historic town centre early today to protect abandoned apartments and businesses against looters.

A 98-year-old woman who whiled away the long hours awaiting rescue crocheting was among the lucky few saved on Tuesday. Another was a girl found alive after 42 hours buried in rubble.

But hopes of finding others was fading as cranes were busy pulling down unsafe buildings.

Hospital sources quoted by Italy's domestic ANSA news agency said the morgue had taken in 228 bodies by nightfall.

Officials quoted by Rainews 24 television put the toll at 235.

Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said 7,000 police, soldiers and other emergency service personnel and volunteers were taking part in the frantic hunt for survivors.

Complicating their work, however, was a string of aftershocks that rattled L'Aquila more than a day after the initial 6.2-magnitude quake that devastated the historic mountain city and neighbouring villages.