THE EARTH IS SHAKING 228 TIMES AGAIN
Those who live in or near the earthquake-affected areas have the impression, these days, that they are always a little wobbly. Maybe it's a suggestion, a vertigo due to fear, but the data seem to confirm this bad impression. In fact, the earth shook 228 more times since 9 yesterday morning. After the strong shock that shook the Modena area (and those around 13 pm yesterday), the subsequent shocks were minor, but the seismic swarm continues to continue.
How long can this situation last? No one can say but the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology doesn't seem optimistic: "The chronicles of 1570 report an earthquake that lasted months, or rather years, in that area – says the president Stefano Gresta – with caution we could say that we are facing an event that will probably repeat what happened in the past”.
LEASED SHEDS? THERE IS EARTHQUAKE INSURANCE
The images of the collapsed sheds in the industrious Emilia, which the TVs send on repeat, seem the sad metaphor of Italian capitalism: full of good will, inventiveness, recklessness and fragility. The Modena prosecutor's office has opened an investigation into the 17 confirmed dead, most of whom were operated on and were crushed under the rubble in the workplace. Those sheds shouldn't have reopened and now responsibilities are being sought. The Usb union of the firefighters released a note to stigmatize the decision to resume activities after May 20, defined as "a serious imprudence". Now, he adds, it is necessary to "immediately stop all production activities in the affected areas".
Companies, even in the absence of deaths and direct criminal liability, will have to deal with an emerging damage and a loss of profit. There is a small consolation in the drama: those who had a leased shed can count on insurance that also covers earthquake damage.
MIRANDOLA NEEDS FOOD
The Municipality of Mirandola is asking for help. The town of the wise Pico, certainly more accustomed to giving than asking, today needs everything: food, especially preserved, powdered milk and baby food, but also bread and pasta; they are also looking for blankets, hygienic material, soap and paper, chemical toilets, for those in emergency camps, there is even a 5-day-old baby. The heat has reached 35 degrees and those who feel like it leave for the nearby coast, where the hotels offer hospitality.
Meanwhile, the Emilia Romagna Region is issuing a note for anyone wishing to lend a hand. With a text message to the number 45500, managed by the Emilia-Romagna Region and the National Civil Protection, you donate 2 euros.
For larger donations there are various possibilities. For individuals:
- postal current account no. 367409 made out to: Emilia-Romagna Region – President of the Regional Council – Viale Aldo Moro, 52 – 40127 Bologna;
– bank transfer to Unicredit Banca Spa Agenzia Bologna Indipendenza – Bologna, made out to the Emilia-Romagna Region, IBAN international bank details: IT – 42 – I – 02008 – 02450 – 000003010203;
- direct payment at all Unicredit Banca Spa agencies to the Treasury account 1 combined with branch code 3182.
For public bodies, accreditation on special accounting n. 30864 lit at the Bank of Italy - Treasury Section of Bologna.
The payment must be accompanied by the causal: Contribution for the 2012 earthquake in Emilia-Romagna. Anyone who wants to donate material goods can contact large voluntary organizations such as the Red Cross, Caritas, the National Alpine Associations or similar. Anyone who wants to make their time and skills available should contact the local voluntary associations.
Read first part of the Earthquake Diary
