Italy Earthquake Appeal

The British Red Cross has launched an appeal to help people affected by the powerful earthquake that struck L'Aquila in central Italy on April 6th.

According to the Italian Red Cross, at least 260 people have been killed, 1,000 injured and 30 are missing. The numbers of dead and injured are expected to grow. The earthquake left around 28,000 people homeless, in a city with a population of 70,000.

With a magnitude of 6.3 on the Richter scale, the earthquake struck the city of L'Aquila in central Italy, 120 km northeast of Rome, in the early hours of 6 April.

The Italian Red Cross rescue teams were on the scene of the disaster within an hour after the earthquake struck. It is presently scaling up personnel and equipment in the affected area to reinforce capacity for search and rescue, as well as meals and blankets for the survivors.

Before launching the appeal, the British Red Cross donated £15,000 from its Disaster Fund to support the emergency response. All proceeds from the appeal will be directed to the Italian Red Cross.

To find out how you can help, please go to
Italy Earthquake Appeal