On August 2016, a 6.0-magnitude earthquake ravaged several picturesque small towns in central Italy, and killed 298 lives, according to BBC News.

Some of the towns affected:  Amatrice, Accumoli, Norcia, Cascia, Maltignano, Arquato del Tronto, Pescara del Tronto, and more are located approximately 60-100 miles from Rome, with Amatrice bearing the most devastation.

Italy is not new to earthquakes. It has several smaller earthquakes and tremors frequently.

The last major one, in 2009, in the Abruzzo region of Italy killed 309 people. Italy is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in Europe with a major fault running through the country. The tectonic plates move centimeters over time until a quake occurs.

On a recent conversation with my cousin, Giovanna Nastri, living in the southern part of Italy, said:

“Look I cannot tell much except what has been said. Many dead, now slowly getting back to normal but there are still IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) living in tents,” he said.

“It was a disaster for the whole of Italy. Donations have been given by all of us Italians and we hope that each of the fallen can return slowly to living in a decent home.”

Currently, there are over 2,200 people living in tents. According to BBC News, most are expected to be in hotels by Oct. 1, and other families will receive 600 euros to pay for shelter.

The motto in one town says “mai soli” (never alone).