Condolences sent to Italy over powerful earthquake

NDO/ VNA - President Tran Dai Quang extended his condolences to his Italian counterpart Sergio Mattarella on August 25 over the devastating earthquake which shook the European country’s central region on August 24.

 Rescue teams are searching for victims (Photo: EPA/VNA)
Rescue teams are searching for victims (Photo: EPA/VNA)

The same day, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh also conveyed condolences to their Italian counterparts Matteo Renzi and Paolo Gentiloni, respectively, over the tragedy.

According to foreign media, a 6.0-6.2 magnitude quake struck mountain villages in a remote area straddling the regions of Umbria, Marche and Lazio.

At least 247 people were confirmed on August 25 to have been killed and there are fears the toll could rise further.