Italy Earthquake Response

One year has gone by since the earthquake devastated central Italy, killing 269 people and causing major destruction of homes, buildings and infrastructure. 

IsraAID arrived less than 36 hours after the earthquake to provide emergency relief and psychological support to help mitigate the long-term effects of the traumatic event. During the past year, IsraAID has done several distributions of items such as heaters, blankets, food and hygiene kits - much appreciated by the families still living in temporary houses and mobile homes.

During the spring, IsraAID conducted several trainings for the community leaders to build resilience and strengthen the affected population as they are going through the transition from crisis to sustainable living. 

The coming month, IsraAID will send a team of Italian speaking therapists to meet with the affected community. The therapists will do a new needs assessment to understand the current needs - one year after the earthquake. When understanding and identifying the vulnerable populations, the therapists will work to assist with the ongoing stress and prepare the community and local service provioders for potential future disasters.

In addition, the therapists will hold training sessions on psychological first aid to prepare the affected population on how to deal with the arising trauma that are starting to show one year after the earthquake. The training sessions will also deal with self-care and it will provide tools for parents to deal with their children, or other needs identified. The training sessions will be held for local volunteers and professional social workers and therapists. 

IsraAID feels privileged to continue its work in Amatrice, and its surroundings, and we are grateful for your support - our work wouldn't be possible without it!

Grazie!