Earthquake in Italy: Dublin High Graduate Says Italians Are in Shock

DUBLIN, CA — Dublin High graduate Collin Wellman was asleep when the massive 6.2 earthquake hit southern Italy early Wednesday morning. When he awoke, he was heartbroken to learn about the devastating quake that killed more than 70 people. Wellman, who has been in the country just three weeks, says Italian locals are in shock.

“It just doesn’t happen here that often,” Wellman said. “These old towns weren’t built to handle something like that.”

Wellman and other students studying abroad as part of University of Oregon’s "Global Education Oregon" study abroad program have felt multiple aftershocks throughout the day in the town of Siena since the quake demolished the Italian town of Amatrice.

Siena, which is almost 150 miles away from the quake’s epicenter, has not had any reports of damage so far. Although the infrastructure and services in Siena are unaffected, the mood is somber.

“We just got an email that said roads to the areas near the quake have been blocked to allow better access to emergency crews,” Wellman said. “Some of the students had to cancel their trips south as a result of the quake.”

His mom, Dublin resident Cherish Wellman, is relieved her son is OK.

“The devastation is so sad,” Cherish said. “I'm glad he is safe.”

According to Wellman, some locals have family in or near the affected areas. Wellman says Amatrice, which is a tourist town, is known for being very traditional. Millions of residents from all over Italy reported feeling the quake as far as 500 miles from the epicenter, according to the USGS.

Facebook has set up a Safety Check for those concerned about friends or family who may be in the area. Donations to help earthquake victims can be made through the Italian Red Cross.

Photo courtesy Cherish Wellman