The images recorded in the most severely affected areas show that factories and office buildings collapsed into rubble. Phone calls to emergency services are so overwhelming that the network in some areas is overwhelmed and interrupted.

>>> Thestrong earthquake in Italy caused many casualties

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The 5.8 Richter earthquake shook both northern and central Italy. This area is continuously exposed to many aftershocks, including a strong aftershock of 5.6 Richter. (Photo: AP)

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At least 16 people were killed after the earthquake yesterday, just over a week after another strong earthquake killed 7 people. (Photo: AFP)

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Among the victims are many workers who are working when the factory collapsed. The rescue team is still looking for survivors of the rubble. (Photo: AP)

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A decorative part of the Voto church in Modena falls into the street after the seismic. (Photo: EPA / ELISABETTA BARACCHI)

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A young woman carries a scared little baby at Mirandola. (Photo: AP)

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Rescue workers carried a victim coffin in Mirandola. (Photo: EPA / CARLO FERRARO)

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Muslims pray for the ills killed in the Mirandola earthquake. (Photo: AFP)

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Graphic depicts the location of an earthquake in the Emilia Romagna region, northern Italy. (Graphic: BBC)