"We're human beings, like the people who are still under there. So we're doing everything possible," said one rescuer, walking among the rubble in the historic centre.

"But it's clear that after 72 hours, hope is fading."

The interior minister said searches would continue at least until Easter.

"As long as we know that there are people under the rubble, we will keep searching even if we're sure they're dead. Families need to know what happened to their loved ones," a fireman said.

Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who has declared an emergency and sent in thousands of troops, visited L'Aquila on Wednesday for a third day. Italian President Giorgio Napolitano was due on Thursday.

One estimate for insurers put the damage to Italy's economy at 2 billion to 3 billion euros ($1.5 billion to $2.2 billion).

Berlusconi said in total 28,000 people had lost their homes in the earthquake, with 17,000 now living in tents and the rest in free hotel rooms or staying with family.

Officials say the quake will have a huge impact in a region which mostly lives off tourism, farming and family businesses.

Survivors face a grim Easter. With many local churches badly damaged, people prepared to celebrate in makeshift chapels.

The government and hotel owners offered free shelter for the homeless in hotels on the Adriatic coast.