Strong aftershocks have damaged two key access roads into quake-struck Amatrice, threatening to isolate the tiny Italian hilltop town as hopes fade that firefighters will find any more survivors from the earthquake that killed at least 278 people.

Aftershocks in central Italy have rattled residents and rescue workers trying to find more earthquake survivors.

The death toll from the earthquake that hit central Italy has risen to 247, Italy's civil protection agency announced last night.