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Damage in L’Aquila, Italy and Surrounding Area
The loss of life in the L’Aquila Italy earthquake is difficult to comprehend. When you think about the impact of the earthquake on survivor’s lives you have to wonder how they even start to rebuild their lives after the loss of their families, friends, homes and so much of what they find familiar.
The entire landscape of the area around L’Aquila has changed because of the earthquake. Churches that were passed every day are cracked and damaged. The shop where bread was bought is closed perhaps forever. Schools loud with the noise of children stand crumbled and silent.
Italy has a long history of earthquakes some the result of volcanic eruptions. We read about the devastation from these historic events. We look at the damaged ruins with a detached eye.
The next time we visit Pompeii or the towns and cities near Mt. Etna that have been destroyed and rebuilt over the centuries we should stop and think about L’Aquila. The year may be different but the results are the same – parents mourning the loss of children, children who no longer have parents, homes buried under debris, lives forever changed.
As reported by The Associated Press
Italy's powerful earthquake damaged churches, palaces and medieval towers in a region devastated repeatedly by quakes in past centuries. There are damaged sites in towns and cities including:
L'Aquila: Many Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance landmarks were damaged in the city worst hit by the quake, including part of the red-and-white stone basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio. The bell tower of the 16th-century San Bernardino church — its own construction delayed by 15th century quakes — and the cupola of the Baroque Sant'Agostino church also fell.
Santo Stefano di Sessanio: The quake brought down the medieval stone Medicean tower, the symbol of the fortified hillside village.
Celano: The main altar of the Baroque Sant'Angelo Church collapsed in this town, the seat of feudal lords who ruled the Abruzzo and Molise regions in the Middle Ages.
Teramo: The quake badly damaged the facade of the church of Sant'Agostino, shifted a bell tower at the convent of San Domenico and brought down the ceiling of the church of Poggio Cono.
Paganica: The baroque church of Santa Maria Assunta in this suburb of L'Aquila was badly damaged, with chunks missing from the pale yellow structure and cracks running through it.
Loreta Apruntino: The quake brought down the bell tower on the church of St. Francis.
Goriano Sicoli: The tremblor badly damaged the facade of the Saint Gemma church, and also destroyed an elementary school.
Posted by Jackie on April 8, 2009
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Comments
Jackie: Thanks for keeping us posted about this terrible tragedy in Abruzzo. Your readers might want to know that there's something they can do. The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) has set up a fund. Here's the information: Individuals, corporations and foundations who wish to donate to the Abruzzo/NIAF Relief Fund can make their donations online at www.niaf.org/relief. All donations are tax deductible.
For more information about NIAF’s efforts in L’Aquila and its neighboring towns, visit www.niaf.org for the latest updates.
Grazie! Linda
Posted by: Linda Dini Jenkins on April 8, 2009
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