The devastating earthquake in Italy has hit home for some residents in Stamford.

Toni Lupinacci, the co-owner of Pellicci's Restaurant, says she was overcome with fear after hearing about the earthquake because her nephew was traveling to Italy and wasn't sure where he was when it happened.

"It's horrific. It's hard to fathom exactly how quickly and how strong this earthquake was that it would take down an entire town, crumbling on everyone that was there," she says.

Chef Donato Ciriello says he lived in Italy for 25 years.

"I feel very sorry because of the Italian people," he says. "Also, there are a lot of kids, a lot of old people. I feel very sorry about that."

Ciriello says his family will be donating to support those impacted by earthquake.

Another earthquake that struck central Italy back in 2009 killed more than 300 people.