As you can not have missed, on April 6th there was an earthquake (6.3) centered near L’Aquila in Abruzzo. Abruzzo is a region in the eastern central portion of Italy along the Adriatic sea, although L’Aquila is at fairly high altitude under the Appenines. Out of a population of only 72,000 the death toll is already at 287. To put that in proportional perspective, if there was an earthquake in Los Angeles (pop. 3.8 million) in which the same proportion of the population died, the death toll would be over 15,000.

Nearly half of the population is living in tents because their homes have either been destroyed or the fear of the regular aftershocks bringing down damaged walls keeps them away. The vision of a hot and sunny Italy does not apply to L’Aquila, the temperatures at night right now are below 40F and the need for supplies is strong. There are many elderly residents of the region, one 98 yr old woman was rescued after 30 hours under the rubble, and the chilly nights in tents are not helpful.

Please, if you are able, donate to the Italian Red Cross so their efforts in supplying food, water and medical treatment can continue unabated. They even take Paypal now. Thank You.

http://www.cri.it/code_new/index.php?1=1&website=631_cri_AbruzzoEarthquake&template=crimidmo&lang=IT&page=Releases&id_evento=259