Montreal's Italian community mobilizes after devastating earthquake
National Congress of Italian Canadians waiting for a clearer assessment of damage before organizing
Montreal's Italian community is working to organize fundraisers following a devastating earthquake in central Italy that's killed at least 241 people.
- Italy earthquake death toll at 241
- CBC in Italy: Rescue workers try to keep the faith as night falls
"My phone has been ringing off the hook," said Pino Asaro, president of the National Congress of Italian Canadians.
He's been in contact with the Italian consul and different levels of government to organize fundraising, but said nothing will be formalized until there's a confirmed death toll and a clearer assessment of the damage.
Asaro said it's best to channel money through major organizations such as the Red Cross for now. The congress will set up collection points throughout the province.
The temblor shook the Lazio, Umbria and Le Marche regions on the Adriatic coast, a highly seismic area that has witnessed major quakes in the past and continued to shake early Thursday with aftershocks.
Dozens of people were pulled out alive by rescue teams and volunteers that poured in from around Italy.
Quebec woman's brother flees home
Quebec resident Fausta Polidori's brother Domenico D'Alesio had to leave his home when aftershocks left cracks in its foundation.
D'Alesio and his wife, Gilba, live about five kilometres away from the area that was destroyed completely. They fled the region with their family yesterday.
"He was very distressed, very emotional," said Polidori, noting she didn't recognize his voice when he called. "His wife said she thought they were going to die."
Polidori said her brother — who is 81 years old — sounds better today, and she's thankful they survived, but the situation still has her worried.
"We are very sad, and very, very concerned," she said.
In an interview with the Canadian Press, Quebec's delegate general said it doesn't look like any Quebecers were directly impacted in the earthquake.
With files from CBC's Homerun and the Canadian Press