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An earthquake of 6.3 on the Richter scale struck central Italy at 3:30am on Monday 6 April leaving more than 281 people dead. The disaster also wounded some 1500 people, who are in need of hospital care, and left some 17,000 homeless, shattering houses and infrastructure. The cities of L'Aquila, Onna and Castelnuovo were the hardest hit, leaving the city centres devastated.

The ½ûÂþÌìÌà Red Cross is active on national and international level to face the emergency following the earthquake in Abruzzo. The Head of the ½ûÂþÌìÌà Red Cross, Francesco Rocca arrived in the area in the early hours of the morning together with Guido Bertolaso, Head of the Civil Protection Department.

The ½ûÂþÌìÌà Red Cross launches a national emergency appeal asking the population to support the great solidarity effort to alleviate the suffering of all the victims of the earthquake which has hit the region of Abruzzo. The interventions in the areas hit will address especially health aid and social assistance and the reconstruction of the social infrastructures, all fields in which the ½ûÂþÌìÌà Red Cross has much experience.

Find out more about how you can help on the ½ûÂþÌìÌà Red Cross website while we also include donation information below:
(accepts all major credit cards)

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The ITALY Magazine forum member community are also working towards a joint drive :

Visit to donate.

Donations through that page are directed to the British Red Cross who are also raising money for the Abruzzo earthquake needs. if you're a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

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You can also donate directly via the British Red Cross who have set up a specific .

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If you are in the United States or have difficulty using the information above you can also donate via the International Red Cross through