A huge earthquake in central Italy that killed at least 150 people as thousands of homeless sought shelter in hastily built tent cities.

An estimation by the government that 70,000 people have been left homeless by the quake which measured magnitude 6.2 that damaged 10,000 buildings, many beyond repair. The epicentre was under L’Aquila and massive destruction was reported for 30km in all directions from the town. The nearby villages of Villa Sant’Angelo and Borgo di Castelnuovo were practically wiped out.

The emergency services said 100 people had been pulled alive from the rubble of Renaissance and Baroque buildings around the historic town L’Aquila since the quake struck early Monday.

Residents fled L’Aquila, some even on foot. Others were lucky enough to find shelter in army barracks, stadiums and sports centers as overnight temperatures were expected to dip to 4 deg C.

Rescue workers said at least 150 people were killed, of which 98 had already been identified, the Italian news agency ANSA reported. while Mr Berlusconi told a news conference here that 1,500 people were injured.