At least 247 people are so far reported to have been killed in the devastating earthquake that hit Italy on Wednesday. The epicenter of the recent earthquake of 6.2 magnitudes was in Norcia, Umbria, approximately 100km north-east of Rome, and towns including Amatrice, Accumoli, and Pescara del Tronto have been severely damaged by the natural disaster. It's only when you look at these before and after pictures however that you can really begin to understand the true level of destruction.

"My town isn't here anymore," said the mayor of Accumoli, Stefano Petrucci, as he surveyed what remains of his hometown. Most of Amatrice's historic old town has been reduced to rubble, and the biggest earthquake of a decade caused houses to collapse down the hillside in Pescara del Tronto. Tremors rocked buildings as far away as Rome and survivors have described 'apocalyptic' scenes near Perugia, the capital of the Umbrian region popular with holidaymakers. Scroll below to see the Italy earthquake damage for yourself.