Lady Gaga planning Italian earthquake donation

Lady Gaga has vowed to donate money to help recovery efforts in her family's native Italy after an earthquake shook the country early on Wednesday (24Aug16).

The pop superstar, real name Stefani Germanotta, was among the celebrities expressing their heartbreak on social media after waking up to learn a 6.2 magnitude tremor had rocked the mountainous and historic town of Amatrice and nearby Accumoli in central Italy.

At least 120 people were killed in the natural disaster, with more than 360 others injured, according to the latest official estimates from Prime Minister Matteo Renzi's office.

Upon hearing the tragic news, Gaga took to Twitter to pledge her support for her ancestral home.

"Praying for the people in Italy who are suffering from (the) earthquake. My family will make a donation to help repair these beautiful cities," she tweeted, adding an Italian flag emoji.

Other stars to comment on the earthquake tragedy included actress Olivia Wilde, who wrote, "Thinking of everyone in Italy affected by the terrible quake."

"Sad horrific news coming out of Italy after a massive earthquake hit them. Prayers for the beautiful people of the #ItalyEarthquake," added rocker Nikki Sixx, while La Toya Jackson posted: "How devastating 6.2 magnitude #earthquake, #prayers to all affected by the #ItalyEarthquake! Please continue to be #safe!"

And Paula Abdul tweeted: "To the victims of the devastating #ItalyEarthquake ..to their families friends & loved ones: my prayers are w/ (with) you & my heart is for you... I'm so grateful for the doctors, nurses, rescue workers, volunteers &ANYONE helping & being of service during this crisis."