Frantic families waited anxiously to hear any news from loved ones back home in Italy, after a powerful earthquake devastated a string of mountain towns in central Italy Wednesday, killing at least 159 and leaving thousands homeless.
“After repeated attempts we were able to get through,” Emilio Digaeta said. “Some family in Rome felt it, but they’re all okay.”
It took several hours for Digaeta to reach his cousin, who lives closest to the epicenter.
“Italy it’s not a big country. It will fit three times in Alberta,” said Digaeta. “You got 61 million people, you got something like that… it’ll hurt a lot of people.”
WATCH: Why is Italy so susceptible to devasting earthquakes?
Mario Perri moved to Canada when he was just 20 years old, but said he’ll never forget where he came from.
“I’m Canadian but it doesn’t matter where you’re from. It hurts when you see people die.”
A donation box has been set up at The Italian Super Market. It’s just a start to the help that will be required in the coming weeks and months.
The Calgary Italian Cultural Centre is helping family connect as best they can.
“How do you rebuild centuries of history? It’s hard to fathom it,” said the Centre’s former President Linda Blasetti.
The centre plans to work with the Red Cross in the coming days to help with relief efforts.
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