Rome Italy Stake ready to help with relief efforts following earthquake
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Church members are counted among the victims of a deadly earthquake that shook central Italy on Monday.
No members or missionaries were killed or injured in the magnitude-6.3 temblor, although three member families reportedly lost their homes in the disaster.
The earthquake hit the city of L'Aquila and several towns covering 230 square miles in central Italy early Monday, April 6, leveling buildings and reducing entire blocks to piles of rubble, according to the Associated Press. It was the worst quake to hit Italy in three decades.
"They are still having tremors and aftershocks," Italy Rome Mission President Jeffrey Acerson told the Church News on Wednesday, April 8. "There are still people missing."
Some 70,000 people live in L'Aquila, a city located 75 miles northeast of Rome.
A Church meetinghouse that serves members in the L'Aquila Branch, Rome Italy Stake, suffered some damage from the shaking, including cracks in the wall, according to President Acerson. The building has not yet been cleared for use following the quake.
The missionaries serving in impacted areas have been moved to other communities, said President Acerson.
Meanwhile, leaders in the Rome Italy Stake, under the direction of President Massimo De Feo, are coordinating future volunteer relief efforts in cooperation with the local Red Cross.
President Acerson said many returned missionaries who served in Italy and other members have been calling local Church offices offering assistance.
"It has been refreshing to see their care and concern," he said.
Italian officials told the Associated Press that some 10,000 to 15,000 buildings were either damaged or destroyed in the 26 cities, towns and villages around L'Aquila.
