Give To Italy Earthquake Victims From Your Phone

Central Italy was devastated by a powerful earthquake that struck the country on the morning of Wednesday, Aug. 24, killing hundreds people and trapping even more under debris. In the aftermath of the event, there are ways you can donate to Italy earthquake victims, even from your phone. The 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck at 3:36 a.m. local time and was followed by approximately 200 aftershocks over the course of the next few hours, with residents as far as Rome in the west, Bologna in the north, and Naples in the south feeling the violent tremors. Towns and cities from three regions in particular including Umbria, Lazio, and Marche were most tragically affected. In addition to the dead and wounded, many Italians lost their homes and livelihoods in the powerful quake that crumbled buildings and left the streets inaccessible and covered in debris.

Sergio Pirozzi, the mayor of Amatrice, said that "half the town no longer exists" after the disastrous earthquake. The loss of life is devastating, and rebuilding will take considerable time, effort, and both financial and emotional support. Thankfully, there are ways you can contribute to Italy's earthquake relief using your phone, even if you've never visited the country. All of these websites can be accessed via your phone.

Donate To The Italian Red Cross

The Italian Red Cross was one of the first organizations on the ground after the earthquake — volunteers are currently conducting search-and-rescue efforts, with the aid of detection dogs. If you're an Italian local, you can donate to the Red Cross here; everyone else can donate to Italian relief efforts here.

Disable Your Wi-Fi Password

If you're located in central Italy, the Red Cross, the Italian National Council of Geologists, and the Lazio region have requested residents disable their Wi-Fi passwords, in order to give relief workers access to reliable communication. It's an incredibly simple — but also vital — way of assisting relief workers and residents directly impacted by the disaster.

Donate To OIPA

Animal rescue group OIPA (International Organization for Animal Protection) has sent volunteers to save animals in areas heavily impacted by the earthquake. Volunteers are looking for animals trapped in the ruins — as well as for animals roaming the area — treating them for injuries, and providing shelter until they can find permanent homes. You can donate to OIPA International here.

Donate To Global Giving

Global Giving has a hefty goal: the nonprofit organization is aiming to raise $1 million USD for earthquake relief. By making a donation to Global Giving, you can help provide emergency disaster relief, — including essentials like food, water, fuel, shelter, hygiene products, and medicine, all of which are desperately needed — as well as long-term recovery assistance.

Encourage Others To Do The Same

This should go without saying, but the more people who donate, the better. If you donate $20 and encourage four other friends to do the same, that's $100 that will help those affected by this devastating earthquake.