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.
Earthquake Of 4.7 Magnitude Hits Central Italy, Minor Damages Reported Italy In 'Miraculous' Earthquake Escape Strong Earthquakes Hit Central Italy; No Deaths Reported Manipur Chief Minister Slams Tejashwi Yadav Over "Racist" Jab At Himanta Sarma US Millionaire, Who Died By Suicide, Owed $34 Million With $8,000 In Bank On CCTV, Cops Seen Planting Drugs On Man In Mumbai, Suspended After Probe After Land Invasion And Death From Above, A New Enemy In Gaza - Polio Celebrated "Russian Spy" Whale Hvaldimir Found Dead In Norway: Report Israeli Army Announces Death Of Soldier During Ongoing Raid In West Bank Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.