Italy / Earthquake: 260 dead including 16 children

The deadly earthquake that struck central Italy Monday left at least 260 deaths, including 16 children, said Wednesday at the press the head of government Silvio Berlusconi in L...Aquila, the epicenter of the earthquake.

•     Of the 260 victims, nine have yet to be identified, said the head of government who visited for the third day in a row in the region, confirming that the state funeral would be held Friday morning at L'Aquila.
  
      Silvio Berlusconi also said that 2962 tents had been set up, sheltering nearly 18,000 people.
  
      Fourteen hospitals, 31 tent camps and 24 kitchens were also put in place, said the head of government who would then meet with the homeless.
  
      He also announced the creation of a new offence punishment that would severely punish looting of buildings, without further details.
  
      Several people were arrested in the last few nights while trying to loot abandoned houses.
      
  Ennaharonline/ M. O./ AFP