YEREVAN, AUGUST 26, ARMENPRESS.  The death toll in a recent devastating quake in central Italy has risen to 278 people, “Armenpress” reports, citing Sputnik, Italy's RaiNews24 reported on Friday.

The deadly 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck the mountainous regions of Umbria, Lazio and Marche in the early hours of Wednesday, causing extensive damage and around 650 aftershocks continuing 48 hours later. Earlier official reports indicated at least 268 people killed and 387 injured in the quake. Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi declared a state of emergency in the regions following an emergency Cabinet session late Thursday, and released an initial tranche of 50 million euros ($56 million) in emergency aid to the affected areas.

Earlier, Armenian consulate in Italy had informed there were no Armenians among the victims.