Information on Assistance from Abroad to the Population Stricken by the Earthquake of  April 6, 2009

In response to the many requests for information that have reached the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the situation of the areas stricken by the April 6 earthquake and on how foreign citizens can express their solidarity, this communiqué updates the previous transmission from this Department dated 7 April 2009 to the diplomatic and consular networks.

                                                             

The rescue operations begun in the early hours of April 6 are continuing. The affected area has been reorganized into seven zones, each under a Joint Operations Center. The Command and Control Directorate (DICOMAC) established at the Customs and Revenue Police Training School in L’Aquila is responsible for overall coordination of the operations.

The persons affected by the earthquake are currently sheltered in hotels, tent camps and private homes.

The total number of persons assisted is 64,752. As reported in recent days, the confirmed death toll is 294, of which 22 under the age of 16. Some 3,000 injuries have been treated at the 37 Advanced Medical Posts and an additional 800 at the field hospital. There are 12,268 responders on site, among them 110 psychologists.

The area was jolted by numerous aftershock in the days following the earthquake. These are expected to continue although with decreasing intensity.

Approximately 780 Italian experts are working on damage assessment. In order to improve and add to best procedures through an exchange of experience, the Civil Protection Department invited interested foreign countries to send experts. There are now 8 Russian EMERCOM (Russian emergency management) personnel in the city of Aquila and a team of experts from the European Community Civil Protection System arrived there yesterday.

The Civil Protection Department does not consider it necessary to accept donations of materials from private individuals residing abroad, particularly any perishables (food) and/or clothing.

Similarly, no intervention is requested from individual volunteers or volunteer organizations from other countries.

Foreign citizens or institutions wishing to contribute to the earthquake victims are asked to contact their local authorities through which, under existing agreements with the Abruzzo Region and/or the L’Aquila Province or Municipality, forms of short and long term assistance and joint efforts to support the reconstruction of public (schools, city hall, medical structures) and/or historic buildings damaged by the earthquake may be arranged.

Financial contributions to assist the stricken population and reconstruction activities are being channeled through two accounts accessible also from areas outside the European Union.

Account 1 Bank: Uncredit Banca di Roma – Agenzia Roma Cavour B Beneficiary Account: Protezione Civile Nazionale Instruction: Emergenza Terremoto l’Aquila IBAN: IT72U0300205207000401 124180 SWIFT: BROMITR1708

Account 2 Bank: Intesa San Paolo – Filiale di Roma 06787 Beneficiary Account: Protezione Civile Nazionale Instruction: Emergenza Terremoto l’Aquila IBAN: IT23X0306905039100000000140 SWIFT: BCITITMM