Italy: Muslim relief agency delivers aid to quake victims

Onna, 23 Sept. (AKI) - Volunteers from an Islamic non-government organization have left the quake-devastated city of Onna in central Italy after having distributed over 1.5 tonnes of aid. Dozens of volunteers from Pakistan, Morocco, Egypt and Algeria worked with Islamic Relief to help victims of the quake by providing food, blankets and clothing.

"During the past few months (since the April earthquake) we have distributed more than 500 blankets, 1.42 tonnes of food and drink, thousands of hygiene kits, huge quantities of clothes and other first-aid materials, to Monticchio, Bagno and finally Onna," said the director of Islamic Relief for Italy Abdullah Gonzaga in an interview with Adnkronos International (AKI).

"In the tent city (of Onna), which has become a dramatic symbol in Abruzzo, our organization has installed itself there and been operating for six months."

"During this period we met Pope Benedict XVI in an emotionally touching visit, we also organized Arab-themed lunches as well as trips. We also collaborated with the Civil Protection Authority as well as Catholic and secular organizations, always with reciprocal satisfaction," Abdullah told AKI.

The devastating April earthquake reached 6.3 on the Richter scale and killed nearly 300 people, while displacing some 50,000 others and injuring thousands in the city of L'Aquila and nearby villages.

A large number of buildings in L'Aquila and other cities in the Abruzzo region have been destroyed and many residents have not yet been able return to their homes.

"With the delivery of the first new homes by the Red Cross on 15 September, we have also decided to leave one last memento to the inhabitants of Onna, by donating toys for the new day nursery and a 'thank you' certificate for each family and their wonderful reception," concluded Gonzaga.

Islamic Relief is an international relief and development charity founded in Britain in 1984, and its stated aim is to "alleviate the suffering of the world’s poorest people."