The death toll in the Italian earthquake stands at 241, as rescue efforts continue

The death toll in the Italian earthquake stands at 241 as rescuers continue efforts to find survivors.

Dozens of people are believed trapped amid rubble in mountainous central Italy.

There have been hundreds of aftershocks since the quake struck, hampering relief efforts and damaging already unstable buildings.

More than 4,300 rescuers are using heavy machinery and their bare hands.

Another powerful aftershock struck the town on today, sending a huge dust cloud into the air.

Many of the earthquake’s victims were children, the health minister said, and there were warnings the toll could rise further.