Prime minister Meloni visits Italian town wiped out by 2016 quake

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni paid tribute to the victims of the 2016 Amatrice earthquake on Monday, visiting the central town to honor the hundreds of residents who lost their lives. Meloni emphasized the importance of never forgetting the night of August 24, 2016, which marked the devastating strike. She met with relatives of the 239 people killed in Amatrice and attended a memorial event in the evening.

The atmosphere was somber as a bell tolled once for each resident who perished during the quake, which had a magnitude of 6.2 and almost entirely destroyed the historic center in just seconds.

The earthquake, part of a series that killed nearly 300 people and injured several hundred more across central Italy, caused widespread destruction. Nearly 300 people lost their lives, and thousands were left homeless, with all their belongings gone. Building sites and ruins dominate the town's landscape a decade later, with many still residing in emergency accommodation. Despite receiving billions in state aid, reconstruction has been slow, with less than 40% of damaged buildings restored, according to official data.

Prime Minister Meloni acknowledged the progress made but also highlighted the challenges ahead. "Much has been achieved, but just as much remains to be done," she stated. One local resident, speaking to broadcaster SkyTG24, echoed the sentiment, noting that while building sites are active and work is ongoing, there remains a great deal to accomplish in rebuilding Amatrice.