Italy's Amatrice Still in Ruins 10 Years After Quake

A decade after a devastating earthquake struck Amatrice, Italy, the town is still struggling to rebuild. The earthquake, which occurred on August 24, 2016, had a magnitude of 6.2 and resulted in the deaths of 237 people in Amatrice, out of a total death toll of 303.

The Italian state has approved €22.7 billion for reconstruction efforts across the disaster zone, with around €10 billion paid out to date. However, despite this significant investment, only 38% of damaged properties have been restored in Amatrice. The town's mayor, Giorgio Cortellesi, who was elected in 2021, is working to rebuild the town, but the process has been slow.

Around 1,000 people, roughly 60% of the population, still live in small, prefabricated shelters. The COVID-19 pandemic has also disrupted rebuilding efforts, further complicating the recovery process. Despite these challenges, there are signs of progress, with cranes dotting the town and clusters of pristine new homes sprouting amidst the desolation.

## Why it matters The slow pace of rebuilding in Amatrice has left many residents feeling frustrated and disillusioned. The town's historic centre remains largely in ruins, with much of it still behind barriers. The two lone towers that survived the earthquake stand as a reminder of what has been lost. As the town struggles to rebuild, residents are eager to see progress and return to a sense of normalcy.

The Italian state's commitment to rebuilding Amatrice is significant, but the challenges faced by the town are a reminder of the complexity and difficulty of recovering from a devastating natural disaster. As Amatrice looks to the future, it is clear that the road to recovery will be long and difficult, but with continued investment and support, the town may eventually be able to rebuild and thrive once again.

## What happens next As the town continues to rebuild, residents and officials are focused on making progress and overcoming the challenges that have hindered the recovery effort. With the pace of building picking up over the past 12 months, there is hope that Amatrice will eventually be able to recover from the devastating earthquake that struck a decade ago. However, for now, the town remains a work in progress, with many residents still living in temporary shelters and waiting for a chance to return to their homes and rebuild their lives.