It was centered near the town of L'Aquila, about 70 miles northeast of Rome. The 6.3-magnitude quake brought down ancient and modern buildings in the town.

Firefighters with dogs and a crane have been working feverishly to reach people trapped in fallen buildings, including a dormitory of the University of L'Aquila. The body of a male student was recovered during daylight hours. A second body was recovered from the rubble early Tuesday.

Residents covered in dust pushed carts of clothes and blankets that they had thrown together before fleeing their homes. Thousands have been left homeless. Officials say 10,000 to 15,000 buildings were either damaged or destroyed.