Italy Earthquake

Note: This appeal is now closed. You can support our ongoing work by donating to the Canadian Red Cross.

Through the generous support of Canadians, as well as corporate and government donations, over $1.03M was raised to support this operation. In addition, the Government of Canada contributed a $2M grant to support the construction of student residences at the University of Camerino.

The Earthquakes

Central Italy was struck by a series of major earthquakes in October of 2016. The third quake, registering 6.6, on the 30th of October was the most powerful in Italy in the last 36 years. Many picturesque, ancient Italian towns in the Marche and Umbria regions, including Norcia, Arquata del Tronto, and Muccia, were reduced to rubble.  Dozens of lives were lost as buildings collapsed due to the violent tremors and approximately 23,000 people were displaced.

Red Cross Response

Right away, the Italian Red Cross deployed approximately 450 volunteers and staff to the region, responding with search and rescue teams, sniffer dogs and psychosocial support. Mobile kitchens were set up for those who were forced from their homes.

Road to Recovery

In the months and years after the quakes, the Red Cross has concentrated on health and psychological care, supporting local economic development, and strengthening resilience to natural disasters through training and capacity building.

Because of our donors, the Canadian Red Cross, in partnership with the Italian Red Cross, is supporting the construction of a multi-purpose centre in the Municipality of Muccia. The municipality represents several towns, totalling approximately 12,000 inhabitants.

The centre will help bring the community back together, with a library, co-working space, and entrepreneurship activities, as well as spaces for music and culture, education, and recreation.

In addition, the centre will be used for disaster training in case of earthquake, landslide, forest fire or other disaster, as well as medical and non-medical aid. It is capable of being activated as a disaster operations room in times of need.

Last updated

January 2019