January 18 Earthquakes

Thanks to friends and family who contacted us about the multiple 5.0+ magnitude earthquakes in Central Italy earlier today. 

The earthquakes today struck the same region hit by earthquakes in August and October last year.  That region is a long way from Florence and we did not feel the tremors this time.

The occurrence of the earthquakes today is especially bad because the region is still struggling to recover from the earlier quakes and has been struggling to dig out of several feet of snow over the past several days.  The region is mountainous and prone to lots of snow this time of year.  So, transportation, search and rescue, and sheltering those without a home, heat or food is much more challenging.  Early reports talk about damaged and destroyed buildings but no fatalities have been thus far.

As before, we have sent money to the Italian Red Cross (Croce Rossa Italiana) for the earthquake relief effort.  Since we are living in Italy, we want to be good citizens. 

Thanks for checking on us.  We are fine.  And we hope the same for you.