Rescue workers try to keep the faith as night falls in quake-ravaged Amatrice

Emergency vehicles carrying heavy machinery were still winding their way through the hills of Rieti in central Italy as the sun set on the first full day of rescue operations following this morning's deadly pre-dawn earthquake. 

The magnitude 6 quake brought ancient buildings tumbling down in a string of medieval towns scattered across the region, killing at least 159 people.

Health Minister Beatrice Lorenzin said the casualties include many children, but she didn't provide a specific number.

• 'Like Dante's Inferno': 159 killed, 3 towns demolished
• 'It was so strong, so sudden,' says earthquake survivor
• 'There are voices under the rubble'

The initial earthquake was followed by dozens of aftershocks, the most powerful of which measured 5.5.

As night fell, bulldozers were still working to clear a landslide from a road just on the outskirts of Amatrice, one of the worst-hit towns.

Earlier in the day, Mayor Sergio Pirozzi told reporters: "Three quarters of the town is not there anymore. The aim now is to save as many lives as possible. There are voices under the rubble, we have to save the people there."

The number of dead in the tiny town had already reached 35, according to the ANSA news agency.

The flashing lights of police cars and fire trucks pulsed through the darkness. Those trying to reach the top of the village walked the final few kilometres to keep roads clear. 

The town itself was a contrast between the silent dark of destruction and sorrow and bright pools of light where earth movers and rescue workers continued to search for survivors.

Sniffer dogs were still being led into streets that were closed off to residents and journalists. They're trained to find people alive, one dog handler told the CBC, adding the workers were trying to remain optimistic. 

Tired-looking crews staggered out of those crushed hamlets covered in dust, with helmets, shovels and picks, looking like miners emerging from the gloom.

All the while, everyone was waiting and listening, hoping to hear the sound of someone in need of rescue.

Drone footage shows devastation from Italy quake

8 years ago

Duration 1:38

Aerial footage shows extent of damage in town of Amatrice

• CBC IN ITALY| 'It was so strong, so sudden,' says survivor of deadly Italy earthquake