According to Foreign Ministry officials, 10 Israelis remain unaccounted for following the earthquake that struck central Italy early Monday. The quake, which measured 6.3 on the Richter scale, claimed at least 27 lives. Property damage is reported to be significant as thousands are left homeless. Italy’s prime minister declared a state of emergency.

Officials and rescue workers report that the death toll will most likely climb as the search for some 30 missing people continues with the assistance of dogs and search and rescue teams.

Rabbi Shalom D. Hazan, a Chabad-Lubavitch Shaliach in Rome, said that Jewish community officials were still sorting through reports from the affected region.

The city’s Chabad Houses, enmeshed in preparations for Pesach, were ready to send crews to assist if necessary, he said. The rabbi added that jolts and tremors were felt throughout the night, but that the Italian capital appeared to not have sustained much damage.

“This was a very big earthquake,” said Hazan. “But in Rome, we just felt the side effects. We’re trying to find out as much information as we can right now.

“It’s still very confusing,” he said. “If we have knowledge of anything we can do, we will.”

1:11PM IL: Foreign Ministry officials’ report only four Israelis remain missing in Italy following the Monday morning earthquake that claimed close to 30 lives. They are believed to have been in the quake area but have not yet contacted their families. Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman has offered assistance to the Italian government, speaking with Foreign Minister Franco Frattini. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)