Rome June 3, 2012. [BIA]. The earth continues to tremble, unfortunately with even more serious damages to people and buildings. Following the bad news of May 29, during the earthquake that hit the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy, there was also good news: a woman buried under the rubble of the building where she lived, was found alive in the late evening. 100 tremors devastated the area yesterday, followed by another 40 tonight. Victims rose to 17, injured to 350.
The Civil Protection and Firemen work tirelessly in the emergency areas, but they already know that a great job has yet to be done.
ADRA Italy, the humanitarian organization of the Adventist Church, communicated its availability to all the authorities. ADRA will be involved immediately after the emergency activities, when it will be required and specified by the Civil Protection. Clearing the rubble and accommodating the displaced is organized by the Department of Civil Protection through specific orders. A very precise coordination plan has been set up. It activates the emergency unit with all its support functions, in coordination with the concerned regions.
Meanwhile, volunteers are preparing for support. ADRA is organizing a team of volunteers, from the Institute of Villa Aurora, in Florence, where the Faculty of Adventist theology is also located. This team will be ready to act when required. The pastor of the Adventist church in Bologna, Richard Orsucci, wants to set up an emergency camp in the garden of the church. People will be able to use the structure for accommodation. The kitchen would serve hot meals. "We should set up teams of volunteers, formed both by people from the Adventist Church and of other churches in Bologna, we will take turns," said Orsucci. "Also the 'hosts' should cooperate, in making sure that the camp becomes a self-supporting camp," he added. The proposal to help earthquake victims, must be accepted by the neighbourhood, by the Protezione Civile (Civil Protection), by the nearest Navile Area and has to receive the support of the Banco Alimentare, an organization that provide food for needy, and of ADRA Italy. "Our church would become a supporting-centre that brings hope to those who have lost everything," concluded Orsucci.
ADRA Italy made an appeal to those who feel a strong desire to intervene and spend time in energy assistance. Anyone who wants to be part of the team of volunteers, that will be involved in the following weeks, please contact Pastor Richard Orsucci at the following number: 0039 3291311714.
In addition, ADRA Italy launched a fundraiser. Those wishing to participate can do so by sending contributions to: ADRA Italy, c / c postale 16080004, or c / c bank Monte dei Paschi di Siena. IBAN - IT 95E 01 030 03 203 000 000 866 909. Bic/Swift: PASCITM I RM3. Reason: Earthquake emergency. Donations are tax deductible. For more information on ADRA: www.adraitalia.org
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Updating on the earthquake in Emilia Romagna – 4 June 2012
After two weeks, the earth continues to shake in Emilia Romagna, and the damages are very high: hundreds of destroyed commercial and private buildings and almost 15.000 displaced people.
The Protezione Civile ensures that the situation is under control. The distribution of food and the hospital services are working well. ADRA Italia is in contact with the local Protezione Civile Dept. We offered our availability putting at their disposal two structures (local church premises) with kitchen and rooms, a lot of volunteers and around 70 tents. In this moment what the Protezione CIvile needs is: mechanical vehicles and high skilled volunteers. They do not need generic volunteers. Food, water, clothes and medical kits are not required.
The presence of ADRA Italia will be very important in the next weeks, when life goes back to the normality. During summer time ADRA Italia will organize activities for kids. Further information will be provided later on.
"Thank you for supporting us with your prayers," conclude Franca Zucca, ADRA italy coordinator.