DEATHS IN ITALIAN EARTHQUAKE RISE TO 290|義國強震已290死 逾兩千人無家可歸

After the 6.2 magnitude earthquake in Italy on Aug. 24, there have been thousands of aftershocks. The bridge linking the worst hit area to the outside world has been damaged, seriously hampering rescue operations. According to official statistics, 290 people were killed, and there are now over 2,000 homeless. On the fifth day after the earthquake in Italy there are over 2,000 displaced people in the disaster area. Although there are tents to for temporary shelter for the victims and aid from many organizations, as the weather becomes cooler, the victims hope to transfer to a simple resettlement houses, and hope that reconstruction funds will not be embezzled by corrupt officials. ==EARTHQUAKE AREA RESIDENT Amatrice == We are prepared to face winter. The aftershocks are continuous, but we still want to spend the winter here and hope we can be transferred to prefab houses from the tents. ==EARTHQUAKE AREA RESIDENT Amatrice== If half of the reconstruction funds are embezzled as often happens, it will be a problem. Because we are a citizens, humans, not animals, the government must remember this point. The rescue efforts continue unabated. There are rescue groups from France and from China, but since the evening of Aug. 24, no-one has been found alive. As the golden 72 hour period closes there is a lack of hope for any goood news. There have been over 1,050 aftershocks and the most seriously affected area had a 4.8 earthquake on Aug. 26. Two bridges linking the town to the outside world are damaged seriously hampering rescue efforts. == SERGIO PIROZZI Amatrice Mayor == The Rosa Bridge is severely damaged, we hope it will not collpase. If it collapses we will be cut off from the outside world. On Aug. 26 in Rome, the first private funerals of victims were held. The Italian government announced that on Aug 27 the country's flags were be flown at half staff. Also on Aug. 27, Prime Minister Renzi will attend a funeral service for victims in the disaster area. Other funeral services will be held over the coming week. TRANSLATED BY：CLARE LEAR