In the early morning hours of Wednesday, August 24th, mountain towns in Italy were hit by a 6.2 magnitude earthquake. This earthquake came unseen and was followed by at least 150 aftershocks, the strongest of which measured at a 5.5. The reported death stands at 292 with many missing, and many more left homeless. The earth quake was amplified by the fact that it occurred only 4km from the ground surface. Rome felt tremors a full 300 miles away, with many residents being awakened by the earthquake. Many, like 65 year old Amatrice local Giancarlo said that this disaster is the worst he has ever seen. "Small tremors, but nothing this major." He remarked. The government responded by dispatching workers and aid, but other governments have yet to respond. Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi stated in a televised interview, "No one will be left alone, no family, no community, no neighborhood. We must get down to work to restore hope to this area which has been so badly hit." Countries such as Israel, Germany, and France all attempted to send rescue teams, but Italy declined, having enough volunteers. A fire team from the Vatican, however, has been allowed to join the rescue forces.
