Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09ROME393
2009-04-06 11:47:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Rome
Cable title:
DISASTER DECLARATION CABLE: ITALIAN EARTHQUAKE
how-toVZCZCXRO0405 OO RUEHRN DE RUEHRO #0393 0961147 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O 061147Z APR 09 FM AMEMBASSY ROME TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 1881 INFO RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHDC PRIORITY RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC PRIORITY RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC PRIORITY RUEHBS/USEU BRUSSELS PRIORITY 4783 RUEHRN/USMISSION UN ROME PRIORITY 0214 RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA PRIORITY 6400 RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK PRIORITY 0981
UNCLAS ROME 000393
AIDAC
SIPDIS
STATE PLEASE PASS TO USAID/DCHA/OFDA: RANDREW
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID PREL PHUM
SUBJECT: DISASTER DECLARATION CABLE: ITALIAN EARTHQUAKE
REF: STATE 116623
UNCLAS ROME 000393
AIDAC
SIPDIS
STATE PLEASE PASS TO USAID/DCHA/OFDA: RANDREW
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID PREL PHUM
SUBJECT: DISASTER DECLARATION CABLE: ITALIAN EARTHQUAKE
REF: STATE 116623
1. (U) This is a Disaster Declaration cable. Please see
paragraph 3.
2. (U) On 6 April at 3:30 a.m. an earthquake with a
magnitude of 5.8 hit Abruzzo province in central Italy.
Fifty people have been confirmed dead and thousands are
homeless. Media reports indicate that electrical and water
systems suffered extensive damage, particularly in l'Acquila,
the earthquake's epicenter. PM Berlusconi has declared a
state of emergency. As of noon on 6 April there have not
been any reports of American casualties.
3. (U) Post requests use of the Ambassador's fund, in the
amount of $50,000, to provide humanitarian assistance.
Charge has determined that this is a major disaster for Italy
and has received assurances that Italy would accept
non-military aid. US funds are needed and would be put to
good use. Other countries have already announced assistance
packages and it would be embarrassing if the US failed to
offer assistance. The Italian Red Cross will be issuing an
appeal later in the day on 6 April. Post understands that
the affected communities face many pressing needs for
shelter, medical care, reconstruction, etc. Funds would be
used to help meet these requirements.
DIBBLE
AIDAC
SIPDIS
STATE PLEASE PASS TO USAID/DCHA/OFDA: RANDREW
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID PREL PHUM
SUBJECT: DISASTER DECLARATION CABLE: ITALIAN EARTHQUAKE
REF: STATE 116623
1. (U) This is a Disaster Declaration cable. Please see
paragraph 3.
2. (U) On 6 April at 3:30 a.m. an earthquake with a
magnitude of 5.8 hit Abruzzo province in central Italy.
Fifty people have been confirmed dead and thousands are
homeless. Media reports indicate that electrical and water
systems suffered extensive damage, particularly in l'Acquila,
the earthquake's epicenter. PM Berlusconi has declared a
state of emergency. As of noon on 6 April there have not
been any reports of American casualties.
3. (U) Post requests use of the Ambassador's fund, in the
amount of $50,000, to provide humanitarian assistance.
Charge has determined that this is a major disaster for Italy
and has received assurances that Italy would accept
non-military aid. US funds are needed and would be put to
good use. Other countries have already announced assistance
packages and it would be embarrassing if the US failed to
offer assistance. The Italian Red Cross will be issuing an
appeal later in the day on 6 April. Post understands that
the affected communities face many pressing needs for
shelter, medical care, reconstruction, etc. Funds would be
used to help meet these requirements.
DIBBLE