PARIS, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- The strong earthquake which rocked central Italy earlier on Wednesday was "a terrible tragedy," said French President Francois Hollande as he expressed solidarity with the neighboring country.
"France is ready to provide the Italian authorities with all the support necessary in the coming hours and days," he said in statement.
The 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck mountainous towns in central Italy. At least 73 people were killed and thousands became homeless, according to Italian authorities.
