Thursday, a briefing in L'Aquila of the head of Protezione Civile with scientists and authorities, "nothing to worry about, normal sismic activity". It is what everybody wants to hear. I do not blame them completely for underestimating, we all underestimated the danger.
Palm Sunday 5th April, L'Aquila
Life and death are just behind the door.
22.48, a 3.9 Richter shake.
6 April, 0.39 am, 3.5 Richter.
No damages, many prepare to spend the night in their cars. I send my two younger children to bed, tell them to wear gym suits and keep the shoes near the bed. Meanwhile I decide to prepare an emergency bag with clothes change, blankets and things I think cannot do without.. then give up ...I am exaggerating ... I cannot sleep so I turn on my computer and read the local news on ilcapoluogo.it - more lighter shocks are being registered... anyway about 1 am of Sunday night the news is given that the mayor of L'Aquila has closed the schools for the morning ... I am relieved, I was worried of sending out my two younger children 14 and 15, and of going myself to the high school where I teach.