As you may have heard, there has been a major earthquake in central Italy in Abruzzo, centering on the town of L'Aquila. The earthquake registered 6.3 on the Richter scale and has leveled some small towns such as Onna (see photos at La Repubblica's site). Italy unfortunately is very prone to earthquakes and its history has been marked by their appearance throughout the peninsula.
A further twist on the story is that a local scientist had warned of an impending disaster in the area. Instead of taking measures, the authorities charged him with the crime of procurato allarme- giving a false alarm and potentially generating panic.
As of this writing, the death toll is approaching one hundred, but is sure to be much higher.
A further twist on the story is that a local scientist had warned of an impending disaster in the area. Instead of taking measures, the authorities charged him with the crime of procurato allarme- giving a false alarm and potentially generating panic.
As of this writing, the death toll is approaching one hundred, but is sure to be much higher.
(In the photo, the town of L'Aquila)
