earthquake strikes central italy - l'aquila

There was a terrible earthquake early this morning just north of Rome, in a town called L'Aquila. So far, there are 50 dead, and about 45 - 50 thousand displaced from their homes. In a town of 68,000, that is practically the entire town, now homeless.

The quake was a 5.8, which doesn't sound too strong, having lived in WA and CA, but in a country like Italy, it is devastating.

Luckily, we are far from Rome, and did not feel a thing. (I didn't realize there had been an earthquake when Diamond Tiger left a comment, asking if I was ok. Now I get the question! Thank you, we are ok!)

Corriere della Serra has more photos and videos, albeit in Italian, but you can see the damage that was done. BBC also has lots of video and photos, including this scary interview with a woman, while another tremor hit.

How awful! And how incredibly scary that is occured while it was still dark outside. I can't imagine the fear.

I receive messages from the Consulate when something like this happens, and this is what they just sent, in case anyone needs the info:

Warden Message
Italy

April 6, 2009

This Warden Message is being issued to alert U.S. citizens to the
earthquake in central Italy on April 6, 2009.

A 6.3-magnitude earthquake occurred in central Italy at 3:32 a.m. local time (1:32 a.m. GMT) on April 6, 2009. The epicenter of the earthquake was 60 miles northeast of Rome in the region of Abruzzo. Damage from the earthquake is concentrated around the city of L'Aquila, the capital of the Abruzzo region, as well as other small towns near L'Aquila in Abruzzo.

According to media reports, the earthquake has disrupted electricity, phone service, and other utilities. Widespread damage to buildings is reported in and around L'Aquila. Italian civil protection authorities have requested that people avoid traveling to the L'Aquila area.

Americans should strongly consider deferring any travel plans to the area affected by the earthquake. Americans traveling in Italy should also consider contacting family in the U.S. to let family members know they are unharmed. U.S. citizens traveling to or through Italy are encouraged to follow post-earthquake developments in the media.

All Americans in Italy are urged to register either online at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ or by phone or in person directly with the U.S. Embassy in Rome or the Consulates General in Milan, Florence, and Naples. Registering gives U.S. citizens access to updated information on travel and security within Italy and makes it easier for the Embassy to contact citizens in case of emergency. U.S. Embassy Consular Section in Rome is located at Via Vittorio Veneto, 121. The telephone number is 06-4674-1.

Our website is:
www.italy.usembassy.gov
U.S. Consulates General in Italy are located in:
NAPLES: Piazza della Repubblica; telephone number: 081-583-8111
MILAN: Via Principe Amedeo, 2/10; telephone number: 02-290-351
FLORENCE: Lungarno A. Vespucci, 38; telephone number: 055-266-951

U.S. Consular Agents in Italy are located in:

GENOA: Via Dante, 2
PALERMO: Via Vaccarini, 1
VENICE: Marco Polo Airport, General Aviation Terminal, Viale Galileo
Galilei, 30

As the Department continues to develop information on conditions affecting the well-being and safety of U.S. citizens overseas, it shares information through its Consular Information Program documents, available on the internet at http://travel.state.gov .

In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.