ROME, August 24. /TASS/. A major earthquake that hit mountainous central Italy on Wednesday has left at least 21 people killed, while 100 are missing, local media reported.

The 6.0 magnitude quake struck in the early hours of Wednesday devastating a number of mountainous towns and villages.

The earthquake’s epicenter was just four kilometers below the surface of the earth.

The Italian Defense Ministry has sent military units to the quake-stricken areas but the rescue operation is hampered by these regions’ remoteness and difficult terrain.

According to forecasts by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), subsequent economic damage could be significant and the death toll could rise to 1,000.