Italy quake: rescue efforts continue

Rescuers on Wednesday were searching through the rubble of houses and warehouses in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, a day after an earthquake killed 16 people and injured about 350 more. Many of those affected have been living in tents after a similarly strong tremor in the same region flattened their homes nine days ago. The number of those forced to leave their homes doubled to 14,000 after Tuesday’s quake.
The Director of the Press Office of the Holy See, Fr. Federico Lombardi, S.J., on Tuesday told journalists gathered for a briefing that the Holy Father is following the situation with great concern and shares in the grief of those affected.

The earthquake, with its epicentre was about 40 kilometres northwest of the city of Bologna, could be felt throughout northern Italy and even into Austria. The temblor led to precautionary building evacuations in Milan, and authorities also temporarily halted train lines connecting Bologna with other northern cities to allow for damage assessment.

Italy’s Prime Minister Mario Monti assured that the State will do all that is needed in order to guarantee a return to normalcy in the affected region.

Listen to Ann Schneible's report: