Death toll has risen to 260 in the quake-hit areas of L'Aguila, the capital of Abruzzo, Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi said on Wednesday.

After visiting the quake-hit areas around L'Aguila, the premier told reporters that the death toll includes 16 children.

He also said 2,962 tents had been put up to house 17,772 people and another 4,000 tents are available if needed, he said.

"We're okay on equipment," the premier said, adding that 24 field kitchens and 14 first-aid centers had been installed to help survivors.

He also said the government would also pay costs for the lodging of evacuees in hotels along Abruzzo's Adriatic coastline.

(Xinhua News Agency April 9, 2009)