On October 30, 2016, the Valnerina region experienced renewed seismic activity just days after the initial shocks on October 26. The earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 6.5, struck municipalities located at the border between Umbria and Marche, including Norcia, Preci, and Castelsantangelo sul Nera. While the tremors caused buildings to collapse, the event resulted in no deaths or injuries, a fact that stands out alongside the October 26 quake.
The emergency triggered an immediate response from law enforcement agencies and various volunteer organizations. Among them was ANPAS (Associazione nazionale pubbliche assistenze), a leading Italian group active in civil protection, health rescue, and socio-assistential services. The organization was already present on the ground when the main shock occurred; following the initial tremors on October 27, they had set up a canteen field inside a gymnasium outside Norcia's walls. As the situation worsened with the October 30 swarm, the demand for meals increased significantly.
Alessandro Benini, the National Protection Manager of ANPAS, recalled that during approximately one hundred days of activity, the group distributed nearly 50,000 meals. These provisions were not only for the local population but also for a large portion of the workforce active in the area. To manage the emergency, about 580 volunteers arrived from all over Italy, maintaining an average coverage of 30 volunteers per week.
Benini highlighted the dedication of the team as one of the most moving aspects of the operation. He noted that everyone committed themselves fully to problem-solving, with no instance of anyone giving up. Volunteers slept in tents even when temperatures dropped below minus 12 degrees Celsius. When freezing conditions prevented gas or water from flowing from taps in the morning, the volunteers would stay and fix the issues themselves. Benini stated that on several occasions, he was nearly moved to tears by their resilience and commitment.
Sources: Il Sole 24 Ore Italia.