ºÚ¶´ÉçÇø

A violent aftershock has hit central Italy, just two days after a major earthquake hit which killed 235 people and injured more than 1,000.

The 5.5 magnitude tremor was felt as far away as Rome, further damaging buildings and bringing down masonry.

The tremor hit as rescuers are still continuing their search for victims still trapped in rubble caused by Monday's earthquake.

More than 10,000 buildings have been destroyed, mainly in L'Aquila.

Italian media reported that a woman had been found 42 hours after the quake, sparking hope that more survivors may still be found.

Around 150 people have been pulled from the rubble.

Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi earlier promised the operation would continue for a further 48 hours, involving 7,000 rescuers.

It is understood that around 20,000 people have been made homeless.