Death toll up to 150...

[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.