Strong aftershocks in Italy trigger further panic, hamper rescue efforts

A series of aftershocks has hampered rescue efforts in central Italy as the death toll from this week's earthquake passes 260. There are fears the number will continue to rise. Authorities are still trying to work out just how many people were living or staying in the historic towns flattened by the 6.2 magnitude quake.

Rescuers work amid collapsed building in Amatrice, central Italy Source: AAP