2016 earthquake, Mattarella: ‘Complete the reconstruction as soon as possible’. Meloni is expected today
Meloni posted a message on social media this morning: “We will never forget the night of 24 August 2016. Today we pay tribute to the memory of the 299 victims of the earthquake and once again stand in solidarity with their loved ones.”
Ten years on from the night of 24 August 2016, when, at 3.36 am, the first tremor triggered a series of earthquakes that devastated central Italia for months. The earthquake, with its epicentre between Accumoli and Arquata del Tronto, struck dozens of towns across Lazio, Marche, Umbria and Abruzzo: 299 people died, 365 were injured and over 40,000 were displaced. Amatrice has become its symbol.
Mattarella’s visit: ‘Rehabilitation as soon as possible’
On the anniversary, the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, paid tribute to the victims and called on the State to fulfil its responsibilities: ‘Reconstruction is a process – not without its complexities – which requires a commitment to be completed as quickly as possible, and it is a call to our collective responsibility to restore the normality that has been shattered in the areas affected by this tragedy.’
The Head of State expressed his sympathy to the families of the victims and the injured, describing this as a ‘tragic chapter in the history of the Republic’ and a reminder of the need to strengthen earthquake prevention measures. He also highlighted the role of the volunteers who rushed to the scene from all over Italia, whose efforts, alongside those of the emergency services, “also brought a message of hope and a fresh start, marking the beginning of the reconstruction process”.
Zuppi celebrates Mass: ‘Not promises, but hard work’
“The tragedy began that night but continues to this day: loneliness, a sense of being out of place, and forced separation from one’s community. Today we know that there is still a long road ahead, but we also know that there is a future. A new beginning.” These were the words of the President of the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI), Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, as he celebrated Mass at the SAE site in Pescara del Tronto, in Arquata del Tronto. “Not promises,” Zuppi urged, “but hard work – from everyone, each in their own roles and responsibilities, all of which are important – drawing strength from that solidarity which brought so much comfort during those terrible days.”
Prime Minister Meloni is expected
On the government front, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni posted a message on social media this morning: “We will never forget the night of 24 August 2016. Today we pay tribute to the memory of the 299 victims of the earthquake and once again stand in solidarity with their loved ones.”
