Death toll up to 150...

[beeniesmom]

Thank you all for your thoughts.

The prime minister of Italy confirmed 207 dead.

Yes, it was a densly populated area. Most historical areas in Italy are densly populated.

I just read that there was a second quake north of L'Aquila on Sunday in Bologna, a 4.6?

[rosethecopycat]

My friend and her husband live in L'Aquila, only 6-7 miles from the epicenter.

Does anyone here have resources on how to find out about people affected there?

I have an address and phone number (which I have not tried- I'm told it's pretty senseless at this time) and an email (which I'm pretty sure is current)

I have an lady in Ligure trying to make some contact.

I just don't know how to try or what to do. I am so worried.

We visited them in 2004. She took us up to the small borgatas (villages) some of which were destroyed in previous earthquakes.

She is a professional violinist with the regional orchestra. He works in a bank and has twin (adult) sons.
They have 3 cats.

Their plan for May is to adopt a 10 year old Ethiopian boy.

PRAY that they are safe, and unaffected by the quake and that their plans are still in place.

Thanks,

Rose

[beeniesmom]

Hi Rose,
I'm sorry about your friends living so close to where it happened.
I have no idea how to find out if they are ok.
You could try the phone number. You never know. It may work.
Let us know if you hear anything.

[moosmom]

They rescued this sweet little old lady from the rubble. Know what she did waiting to get found? Crocheted!!!!! I woulda been praying my a## off. Hey, to each his own. At least she's alive!!

[lvpets2002]

Yes I heard about the lady.. Isnt that something.. Such a happy ending.. The death toll is up to 260 now.. Oh its all so sad & tragic..

They rescued this sweet little old lady from the rubble. Know what she did waiting to get found? Crocheted!!!!! I woulda been praying my a## off. Hey, to each his own. At least she's alive!!

[cassiesmom]

I e-mailed Kittycats Delight. She is safe.

Thanks,
Elyse

[cassiesmom]

No source but the USA GOV has only "donated" $50,000 to the rescue effort. After what we spent on bailouts, $50K is a microspeck on my moms big screen TV.

I wonder if the government expects agencies like the Red Cross, Samaritan's Purse, etc. to help and individual donors would give money to them??

[Daisy and Delilah]

I just want to send more thoughts and prayers out for everybody there. It's so sad. I saw the little elderly lady too. Bless her.

I'm glad Michelle is safe. Thanks, Elyse.

[beeniesmom]

Thanks for emailing Michelle and letting us know that she is ok.

As for the 'donated' money from the US, it's really ok.
Italy was relatively prepared for something like this happening.
They have a really great 'forza civile' aka National Guard and enough funds set aside for the rescue and care efforts. They will however need money to rebuild but that will come with time.
If they needed $$$ aid, they would have said so.

[rosethecopycat]

I have contacted the parents of my friend in L'Aquila.

The couple is safe.

It is just as I imagined it though.

They are living in their auto, waiting for their structure to be inspected. There are three cats inside and the husband sneaks in and feeds them.
He reports there are new cracks in the building (but at least it's still standing)

The mother has had a couple of cell phone calls from them, but that is about it. The couple knows no one injured or killed by the quake personally.

I don't know the status of their pending adoption of the son in Ethiopia.

I really admire my friend's devotion to her cats, as she does have a relative in Italy that they could travel to. Her mother doesn't understand why they won't go, she's not a pet person.
I understand perfectly why she cannot leave.

I hope their lives are not disrupted very much longer, but thank God they are safe.


Thanks for listening.

[beeniesmom]

I'm glad your friends are ok. I hope thier home is habitable.