This bulletin is being issued for information only, and reflects the current situation and details available at this time.
The Italian Red Cross, with the support of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), has determined that external assistance is not required, and is therefore not seeking funding or other assistance from donors at this time.
Summary: An earthquake of a magnitude 5.8 on the Richter scale killed at least 17 people in northern Italy on Tuesday, 29th May, damaging buildings and leaving 14,000 people homeless in the Emilia Romagna region north of Bologna, in one of Italy’s agriculturally and industrially most productive areas. The epicentre of the earthquake, which struck at depth of 9.6 km (6 miles), was less than 30 km (19 miles) from Modena, not far from the place where the magnitude 6 earthquake had struck on 20th May.
Officials said 350 people were injured. Buildings that had been previously damaged during the quake last week, were damaged further or destroyed.
Italian Red Cross has immediately increased its presence in the affected area, by deploying more ambulance cars and volunteers to the field. Red Cross staff and volunteers are involved in logistics, and emergency health activities through provision of medical service and psychosocial support. In close cooperation with the Civil Protection, the Red Cross is involved in managing the reception centres where the evacuated people are accommodated. Also the Red Cross is supporting the damage assessment of the buildings and the needs assessment of the affected population.