Early Wednesday morning local time, a devastating 6.2 magnitude earthquake shook central Italy and the victims of the natural disaster will need the international community to band together to assist it in its recovery. BBC News reported that Sergio Perozzi, mayor of Amatrice, delivered grim news to national radio station RAI, outlining the city's current state. The death toll has continued to rise throughout Wednesday and is expected to continue doing so.
Perozzi said: "The roads in and out of town are cut off. Half the town is gone. There are people under the rubble. There's been a landslide and a bridge might collapse."
Amatrice is located northeast of Rome, where residual tremors from the quake were felt, in the province of Rieti. This town, along with Accumoli, were tragically affected. The epicenter of the earthquake was located in Norcia, a region just over 100 miles northeast of Rome. Alessandro Mazzilli, a member of the Alpine emergency service of Rieti, said his crew is making its way to the town to assess the damage and offer aid:
Apparently houses have collapsed now, but I am not there yet so can't confirm ... The quake has been felt throughout the whole of central Italy — even in the Adriatic Sea.
If you would like to assist victims of the natural disaster, there are several different avenues through which you can offer your help and support. And as the disaster continues to be covered, more opportunities to donate goods and funds will come to fruition. For now, here are just a few:
1) Donate To The Italian Red Cross
The nation's Red Cross responds to emergency situations throughout Italy, and this earthquake will surely be one of them. You can access its website here.
2) Show Your Support On Social Media
In these tragic times, demonstrating your solidarity with victims will encourage others to keep up on the latest news and maybe even donate their time and money. Tag "Amatrice" and "Italy."
3) Check To See If Those You Know Are Safe
The U.S. State Department asked that any Americans in Italy check in to let loved ones know they are safe, but this doesn't have to apply to Americans only. If you know someone living in or visiting Italy, get in touch with them and offer your assistance.
4) If You're In Italy, Donate Blood
Bring an ID card with you.
5) Donate To Shelter Box
As the International Business Times points out, Shelter Box is a charity that sends literal boxes of supplies to those in need. You can donate by mail, phone, or PayPal.
