The massive earthquake which struck the central Italian region of Abruzzo early Monday morning, has left the area in a state of disaster, with 200 deaths, at least 1,500 people seriously injured and a further 17,000 residents left homeless (figures reported Tuesday morning).
An update on the situation facing the Slow Food network across the region was provided by Raffaele Cavallo, the President of Slow Food Abruzzo-Molise. ‘I would like to assure everybody that while our friends in Aquila have had an enormous scare, they are all well’, Cavallo wrote.
‘I believe that this is the moment to display our solidarity with each of these individuals. To this end, the Slow Food network is helping to provide hospitality across the region to those who have been worst hit by the fury of the earthquake,’ wrote President Cavallo. ‘We are yet to ascertain what future action or project we will develop to assist the victims, but it is likely that Slow Food will cooperate with other organizations. Right now, I believe it is a priority to provide goods and donations to help meet people’s basic needs’.
While we wait for the pressing emergencies to be resolved, and for Slow Food Abruzzo to undertake an evaluation of the best ways to use any funds raised by our movement, Slow Food has launched an international fundraising effort.
Anyone who would like to make a contribution can do so on the donate page of our Terra Madre site, choosing ‘Abruzzo Earthquake’ in the project field.
Click here to make a donation.
For further information, please email: [email protected]