By Ardita Kongjonja | Head of Mission
On August 24th 2016 a 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck central Italy causing major damages and destruction of thousands of homes, buildings and infrastructures. 296 people were killed in the towns of Amatrice, Accumoli and Arquata del Tronto and 4,454 people were displaced in the regions of Lazio, Marche, Umbria and Abruzzo.
IsraAID arrived less than 36 hours after the earthquake to provide emergency relief and psychosocial support to help mitigate the long- term effects of the traumatic events. IsraAID’s support was especially vital to the community this past winter when temperatures plummeted to -18 degrees Celsius. The team distributed packages containing winter items (blankets, jackets, heaters, etc.) to the families still living in the campers (mobile homes). Recently, IsraAID returned to Amatrice to provide training to community leaders and deliver household items to the families.
"Wow, I can’t believe is you. We never thought would have the chance to see you back here. ….Thank you for all, at this time all this items are very important in our camps”. Maurizio 57, Amatrice
The support and presence of IsraAID was greatly felt by the members of the community. The families felt familiar with the team and were grateful for the reunion, which reemphasized the trust the people feel toward IsraAID.
IsraAID built strong alliances with the local organizations who were building homes for the 2,200 displaced people. This joint program reaches over 2,250 indirect beneficiaries, including the people supported by disaster relief and recovery activities. Strengthening the systems already in place will help Amatrice and the surrounding areas rebuild their community and resilience.
Antonella, pictured above, lost her family and her house in the earthquake. She and her husband, accompanied by IsraAID, have begun rebuilding their lives in their new house. When receiving the recent distribution, Antonella was excited to meet with the team and express her gratitude for their continuous support.
Finally safe, the affected population now faces new challenges of how to rebuild in their new homes. IsraAID will continue to work hand- in- hand with the local organizations to begin implementing the next phase of the holistic program aimed at psychosocial support. IsraAID is looking forward to working with the families as they pick up the pieces of their lives and begin to heal.
Your donation continues to make a difference to Antonella and her neighbors. Thank you for supporting the work of IsraAID!
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