38 people have been killed in a powerful earthquake which struck central Italy overnight.

At 3.30 this morning, the 6.2 magnitude quake violently shook the ground in the Umbria and Lazio regions for 20 seconds, causing buildings to collapse as people slept.  That was followed by a powerful aftershock 20 minutes later.

Towns in the region have been reduced to rubble with many areas cut off.

Although the area is prone to earthquakes, it doesn't appear that there was  prior warning before last night's disaster

Several bodies have been found among the debris, but survivors are also emerging with images showing a woman, a child and a dog being rescued.

Pope Francis cancelled a speech at his general audience at the Vatican this morning and instead prayed with the crowds for victims and survivors.

Kim Buckley has this reports: