A Canadian citizen is among the dead in the devastating earthquake in Italy that killed at least 250 people yesterday, Foreign Affairs Minister Stéphane Dion says.

"I was extremely saddened to see the tragic loss of life following the devastating earthquake in central Italy, which now includes the death of a Canadian citizen," Dion said in a statement.

"We share in the grief of the lives cut short by this terrible event."

The statement didn't identify the victim.

Dion said he extended Canada's condolences during a phone call yesterday with his Italian counterpart, Paolo Gentiloni.

Communities in central Italy were struck by a magnitude 6.2 quake early Wednesday, and have continued to feel aftershocks as rescue and relief workers poured into the area.

Global Affairs Canada said 72 Canadians were registered as being in the affected area when the earthquake struck.

However, the numbers are likely low as many Canadians never register with the department while travelling abroad. Officials did not say whether any Canadians are missing.