Amatrice: what happened?
The earthquake of 24 August 2016 that hit central Italy destroyed the city of Amatrice.
There are about 290 victims of the earthquake, 2.500 displaced persons. The city is to be rebuilt, not only the houses but also the school and the hospital have suffered serious damage. The images of the rescue of little Giorgia have moved Italy, the funeral of the victims of the earthquake are images that have touched the soul of the Italians and beyond.
In a race of solidarity, Italy and countries from many parts of the world have mobilized to help Amatrice, and thanks to everyone's contribution, the school has already been rebuilt.
Much remains to be done.
Malta, and especially the city of Hamrun, also made a valuable contribution.
Hamrun's solidarity
On Saturday 3 September, the Hamrun City Council organized a charity evening, the proceeds of which were entirely donated to the reconstruction of the earthquake-stricken town.
Italians and Maltese together, to help those in need.
Maltese TV NET TV broadcast a press conference on the news the evening before the event.
The evening began by remembering the victims of the earthquake, it was sad to see what happened but the pleasant feeling of doing something concrete for the earthquake victims of Amatrice made us all happy. The municipality of Hamrun offered all the participants, pasta alla Amatriciana at will, good wine and, at the end of the evening, a dessert with the colors of the Italian flag, as evidence of solidarity with neighboring Italy.
Italians in Malta
At the charity event, a representative of the Italian Embassy in Malta was present. Also present were representatives of the Maltese government. We were also there from www.italianiamalta.com.
I saw the emotion and satisfaction in the eyes of the people for the amount of money raised, 2.600 euros for Amatrice!
On a personal basis, I would like to thank his mayor of Hamrun, Christian Sammut, always smiling and helpful, for opening the city gates to such a noble initiative.