The earthquake in Abruzzo has been a tragic event. The epicentre was in Paganica in the province of l’Aquila. The little villages around it were damaged as well. But the damage was limited to that area. Towns in the provinces of Chieti, Teramo and Pescara were not hit hard. Some people in towns 80 miles away slept through the whole earthquake. The major highways are now open to regular traffic. So far the death count is around 260 and there are many people (around 20,000) that are homeless.
Many people are donating to help these poor people. Many organizations donate to the Red Cross or the Protezione Civile. We would like to endorse the mission of Mario Daniele, who is originally from Abruzzo and is trying to collect some donations and hand them personally to the people in need.
Here is his press release:
Establishing the Abruzzo Disaster Relief Fund
In an effort to raise much needed money to benefit the victims of today’s tragic earthquake in central Italy, Mario Daniele, Honorary Vice Consul of Italy, has established the Abruzzo Disaster Relief Fund. Today’s report of over 50,000 residents of the Abruzzo region left homeless and over 15,000 structures tagged as unsafe to inhabit, has motivated this effort.
“I am urging everyone who is able, especially those Italian-American and Italian-Canadian citizens, to support this effort. 100% of every dollar raised will be given directly to families most in need. The recipients will be selected based on level of need and by local emergency responders in the area” says Mario Daniele.
Checks can be made payable to “Abruzzo Disaster Relief Fund” and sent to:
Abruzzo Disaster Relief Fund
2740 Monroe Avenue
Rochester, NY 14618
To donate via credit or debit card, call 585-271-1111
The name of this town comes from Gesso which means chalk. The town was totally built on chalk or plaster. There was a huge plaster mine in town, not in use anymore.
Elevation: 750 meters
Population: 420
Zip code: 66030
Fraine is located near the two rivers Treste and Lama, near breathtaking view. This town was erected in the medieval times. Like the rest of many of these little hamlets, the church is built at the highest point and the rest of the houses were built below that.
Elevation: 650 meters
