A mix of deep emotion and a profound sense of responsibility toward the population’s expectations and the need to accelerate reconstruction marked the ninth anniversary of the tragic 2016 earthquake that struck Amatrice and its hamlets, claiming 237 of the disaster’s 299 total victims.
For the first time, the Town Hall notably chose not to formally invite institutions to the ceremony. The Administration stated this decision was made for two reasons: to “give exclusive dignity to the pain and mourning of an entire community” and to send “a strong signal to the political world.”
Following an overnight vigil featuring a torchlit procession to the historic center and the reading of the victims’ names at 3:36 a.m. in Don Minozzi Park, a solemn government wreath was laid at the earthquake victims’ monument this morning. A mass followed at the sports hall, officiated by the Bishop of Rieti, Vito Piccinonna, who in his homily emphasized the necessity of looking to the future with a spirit of communion and solidarity.
In attendance, in a personal capacity, were Mayor Giorgio Cortellesi, Commissioner Guido Castelli, Councillor Manuela Rinaldi, and Senator Paolo Trancassini. “This is the time for awareness, for realistic and not illusory or demagogic reconstruction,” stated Mayor Cortellesi. “We must accelerate the rebuilding and the design of the future city, with modern and effective services and infrastructure, always in the spirit of unity that must characterize a resilient community like ours. Everyone must do their part, no one excluded.”
Commissioner Guido Castelli acknowledged administrative errors in Amatrice that created situations requiring intense effort in the last three years to complete tasks that should have been done six years ago. “I am referring to the removal of the rubble. We have removed the rubble in these two years and we will complete the work in 2025,” Castelli stated in an interview. He identified 2025 as the year reconstruction is finally accelerating.
Castelli added that a special reconstruction program had to be redone just three days prior due to past omissions. He reported progress, however, noting that foundations have been laid for the new town hall, work has begun on a new Carabinieri barracks and two important churches in the historic center, and construction has started on the Cola Filotesio Museum, bringing life back to the silent historic center.
“The central themes are those of private reconstruction,” Castelli continued, “where, for a series of reasons, we have companies struggling to carry out their work, but they must be supported. We have technicians who must be able to navigate minimal bureaucratic issues, which we are streamlining, understanding that in some cases we must also use a firm hand. The community of Amatrice has the right to a more timely reconstruction, but we are recovering lost time.”