Monday, April 06, 2009

Killer Earthquake Strikes Italy Northeast of Rome

Death Toll On The Rise as Italy Braces For Aftershocks

The deadliest ever to strike Italy, a 6.3 Earthquake struck Italy today in a region known as the Abruzzo, killing at least 70 people. The area affected is a scenic, mountainous area popular with tourists because of its villages and churches dating back to the Middle Ages. The epicenter was near L'Aquila, but neighboring towns have also been hit. Many of the historic buildings lie in ruins. Many people are trapped under the rubble as thousands prepare for the aftershocks to come. Tens of thousands of residents are homeless. The quake struck at about 3:30 am, about 75 miles northeast of Rome.

Rescuers are trying to reach trapped victims, using the cries for help as beacons. With most of the local hospitals too unstable because of the earthquake, residents taken to local hospitals are finding it difficult to receive care.

The death toll is expected to rise. The Italian Prime Minister has declared a state of emergency, cancelling a trip to Moscow so that he may tend to the results of the disaster.

-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary

Death toll in Italy quake on the rise - Los Angeles Times

91 dead, 1,500 injured in central Italy quake - Yahoo News

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