Next week I’m going to write some personal reflections about the need for action close to the May 2012 earthquakes in Emilia Romagna, but first, two pieces of recent news of relevance to this blog: about art and travel in the area.
A note about travel – the coast is OK!
The entire area is subject to repeated seismic activity. If you have planned travel to Emilia-Romagna, especially to Modena or Ferrara, you may want to think again. Contact the regional tourist office for information or the region’s portal.
I asked for information about what areas are NOT affected by the earthquakes and am pleased to report that the Costa Romagnola (the coastal area) is safe and unaffected. If you’re going to Riccione or Rimini, you’re going to be just fine. GO. They need your money! The airport of Bologna is open and functioning just fine. Trains are now also running across the area and in fact, summer routes to the seaside have been increased.
Vasco Errani, President of Emilia Romagna, says:
“Most of Italy’s tourist industry is concentrated in the area of the Upper Adriatic. The resorts of Emilia-Romagna, Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia are, as always, ready to welcome guests from all over the world. Some parts of Italy have recently been struck by a terrible disaster, but our coasts have not been affected, and as always are fully equipped and ready to welcome guests from Italy and abroad. All communication routes, including roads, motorways and airports, are open.” (source)
A note about art
The MIBAC is working on a census of works of art and historical monuments damaged by this earthquake. The current and partial estimate is that 600 of the 1159 monuments under the care of the MIBAC in this area have been affected. A regional crisis team has been created and deployed. Source.
How you can help by sending money
The region needs help from everybody to deal with immediate needs of food and shelter for those that lost their homes. To donate from abroad, make an international bank transfer to:
Regione Emilia-Romagna
Unicredit Banca Spa Agenzia Bologna Indipendenza – Bologna.
IBAN: IT 42 I 02008 02450 000003010203.
BIC/SWIFT: UNCRITB1NU2.
Note of cause: Contributo per il terremoto 2012 in Emilia-Romagna.
To donate from Italy you can use the same IBAN as above, or send an SMS to donate 2 euro to 45500.
I donated through Groupon who is matching every 2 euro donation with the same amount, until June 10.
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