Polish official expresses condolences to Italian people

Poland's Prime Minister Beata Szydło has offered her condolences to Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, voicing a "deep sympathy for those affected by the tragic earthquake which devastated central Italy." "I believe that the determination of the authorities and devotion of residents will allow the damage to be quickly removed," Szydło said. As of Thursday morning, the death toll in the Italian earthquake has risen to at least 247 as thousands of rescuers continue efforts to find survivors. Polish Interior Minister Mariusz Błaszczak announced that Warsaw is ready to send firefighters and members of other services if Italy ask for help. Pope Francis called for prayers for those affected by the disaster while Italian President Sergio Mattarella said "the entire country should rally with solidarity around the affected populations."