Facebook has activated its “Safety Check” feature for users in central Italy following a devastating 6.2 magnitude earthquake.
At least 38 people are dead, according to a spokeswoman for the civil protection department, but that number is expected to rise.
READ MORE: At least 38 dead as strong earthquake hits central Italy, brings down buildings
The quake struck towns and villages in the mountainous heart of the country, making rescue operations more difficult, said spokeswoman Immacolata Postiglione. The hardest-hit towns were Amatrice and Accumoli near Rieti, some 100 kilometres northeast of Rome, and Pescara del Tronto further east.
So far, 17 deaths have been confirmed in the town of Amatrice alone.
Safety Check allows family and loved ones to check in with those in affected areas to let them know they’re safe. The tool allows users to check in as “Safe,” which sends a notification to their friends list.
Facebook activated the feature shortly after news of the earthquake broke.
You can check to see if any of your friends or family are in the affected area here.
– With files from Reuters