A 6.2 magnitude earthquake in Italy killed more than 240 people and injured hundreds more. As the search continues for survivors, New Yorkers with ties to the country are already doing their part to help. NY1's Lori Chung filed the following report.

The town of Amatrice in Italy was a scene of devastation where rescue workers dug through the rubble to find survivors but all too often discovered the bodies of those killed after a 6.2 magnitude earthquake the struck the central part of the country.

"It's an area that affects at least three regions," said Italian General Consul Francesco Genuardi. "It's like a triangle between Lazio, the region of Rome, Marche and Abbruzzio."

More than 240 people are reported dead and more than 360 other injured after the early Wednesday morning quake flattened buildings and destroyed whole towns.

Worried New Yorkers with ties to the country reached out to the Italian consulate for information.

"For our government, for our authorities now, the priority is to rescue and save human lives," Genuardi said.

Back in New York, the priority is to help the victims at places like Ristorante Rafele in the Greenwich Village by raising money.

"Through this amazing dish that comes from Amatrice," said Rafaele Ronca, chef at Ristorante Rafele.

It's called Amatriciana, and at least eight restaurants in the city are donating $5 for every dish sold to the Italian Red Cross. 

Ronca was inspired to act by memories of the 1981 quake that hit Naples and his native Campgangna.  

"I remember it was so sad and I was so scared, and that's, when I heard last night, that's what came to my head," he said.

For its part, the Italian American Museum in Little Italy is setting an ambitious fundraising goal.

"We're hopefully going to raise a half a million dollars," said Dr. Joseph Scelsa of the Italian American Museum.

Keeping history alive here and hoping to help those small towns and villages nearly obliterated continue to carry on.

"I'm third-generation American, Italian American, and I still feel connected to Italy," Scelsa said. "And we all feel a sadness in our hearts for what's happened."

Italy's consul general is urging New Yorkers with loved ones in the affected regions to continue to reach out the consulate for the latest information on the recovery efforts, as more Italian American businesses and organizations do their part to raise money and provide relief.