Earthquake in central Italy felt in Rome

People run into streets, AP says

A 6.2-magnitude earthquake hit southeast of Norcia, Italy, according to the United States Geological Survey, CNN reported.

There were reports of damaged buildings and blackouts near Rieti, The Associated Press reported. Residents fled their homes and ran into the streets.

The earthquake struck about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from the town of Norcia at 3:36 a.m. local time. The tremor also was felt in Rome.

Deadly earthquakes have struck Italy in recent years.

In May 2012, a pair of earthquakes in northern Italy killed dozens of people. In April 2009, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.3 hit central Italy, killing 295.

The current quake struck just after 3:30 a.m., the AP said.

The mayor of Amatrice near Rieti, Sergio Perozzi, told state-run RAI radio that there were downed buildings in the city center and that the lights had gone out, the AP reported. He said he was unable to get in touch with emergency responders or reach the hospital.

"What can I tell you? It's a drama," he told the wire service.