Sunday, October 30, 7.30AM, Rome. In a very uncommon manner, my family and I wake up unusually early. Being that it is a Sunday, after dealing with a long, tiring and intense week, waking up this early is somewhat extraordinary. Even our newborn son, 8-month-old Alexander, does not continue with his usual morning nap.
7.40AM. The apartment begins to shake: the floor, the wardrobes, the chandelier. 30 unending seconds of nightmare and terror.
For both me and my wife Irida, after experiencing the terrible Japan earthquake of 2011, in Tokyo – the 4th strongest earthquake ever – old fears and traumas resurface. We had experienced the nightmare of Fukushima, the nuclear power plant partially destroyed by the seaquake set off by the devastating 8.9-magnitude earthquake. (to read the story, please go here)
So, after an initial 10 seconds of shock, we quickly pick up our two small children in our arms, along with the puppy, and after grabbing the car keys, the wallet and the cellphone, we rapidly descend the stairs of our building.
When we reach the ground level we discover that almost all the residents of our big building have also come downstairs. Hundreds of scared people, with blankets around the shoulders and fear written on each face; they fill the courtyard in front of the building.
We get into our car and begin to drive the streets of Rome. Everywhere, we meet people who are disoriented and scared. Some buildings and churches – particularly the important cathedral of San Paolo fuori le mura – have cracks and the mayor orders temporary closures of some of the streets, churches and bridges. Numerous checks are carried out in Rome, to guarantee the safety of homes, churches and schools.
The news communicates the most recent news, but there are no experts to give a sure prediction about the rest of the day’s activity. There is a lot of uncertainty. There is nothing left for us to do but pray and commit our day and our family into the powerful hands of the Almighty – He who commands nature.
The October 30th earthquake, with its epicenter in Norcia, central Italy, is the strongest earthquake in Italy since 1980, with a magnitude of 6.5. The tremor destroyed entire villages. Incredibly, there were no deaths. No one is able to believe that they will not have to mourn any loss of life. This, above all, considering the fact that the August 24th earthquake, much weaker (5.9) than this month’s, killed almost 300 people.
It really is a true miracle.
There are currently 40,000 people displaced, a number that could increase if there are more tremors. People who have lost everything: their home, their livelihood, their belongings. People traumatized, who are now living in a nightmare and with uncertainty. The day of the powerful tremors, many people were seen gathered in the squares of the affected communities, to pray together.
The president of the Italian Adventist Church, Pastor Stefano Paris, expressed his solidarity, and that of the entire Italian Adventist Church, towards the communities affected. We need to “Not lose faith” and face the future with courage and strength.
The president of the Inter-European Division, Pastor Mario Brito, assured the closeness of the entire European Adventist Church to the Italian people. (read here)
After more than two months since the first earthquake on August 24, the Adventist humanitarian agency (ADRA) continues its activities in providing help.
In Rieti, there is still a donation bank for essential goods and primary needs, through which supplies are passed on to all the people who live in relatively isolated areas affected by the earthquake and who express particular need.
All the post-emergency activities, just like those of assistance and welcome carried out in the first month, take place thanks to the generosity of numerous donors who decided to support ADRA Italy. In addition to these, numerous international donations have been received, thanks to ADRA Czech Republic, which carried out a public funds drive using the national radio and contributes to the realization of these interventions.
In these, just as on other occasions, nature reminds us that we are fragile and weak and that our lives are in the hands of the Creator.
What will happen next ? There will be other earthquakes? What we do know is that in difficult moments, we can approach the throne of God with faith and trust, to ask for His mercy and protection.
In these moments of great crisis, we have the privilege of transmitting our closeness, our help and the love of Christ to those who have been affected by misfortunes and terrors.
