Italian Quake Kills 150; Wounds 1,500+ and Damages Priceless Historic Treasures

A strong 6.3 quake hit central Italy, killing more than 150 people and wounding 1,500+.

Rescue workers using bare hands and buckets searched frantically for students believed buried in a wrecked dormitory after Italy's deadliest quake in nearly three decades struck this medieval city before dawn Monday, killing more than 150 people, injuring 1,500 and leaving tens of thousands homeless. The 6.3-magnitude earthquake buckled both ancient and modern buildings in and around L'Aquila, snuggled in a valley surrounded by the snowcapped Apennines' tallest peaks.

It also took a severe toll on the centuries-old castles and churches in the mountain stronghold dating from the Middle Ages, and the Culture Ministry drew up a list of landmarks that were damaged, including collapsed bell towers and cupolas.

The quake, centered near L'Aquila about 70 miles northeast of Rome, struck at 3:22 a.m., followed by more than a dozen aftershocks.

Firefighters with dogs and a crane worked feverishly to reach people trapped in fallen buildings, including a dormitory of the University of L'Aquila where a half- dozen students were believed trapped inside.

And despite the fact that Italy is a NATO ally and a staunch supporter of the US, the US has thus far provided $50,000 in relief. You would think that's a joke, but it isn't. That's the precise amount that the US has donated to the Italians for the relief effort, which also happens to be a fraction of a percent of the amount that the US has pledged to the Palestinians, who have repeatedly attacked Israel and killed Israelis and Americans.

President Obama spoke of the quake at his meeting with the Turkish President, where he offered up this nugget:

PRESIDENT OBAMA: Well, thank you very much. And, President Gul, you could not be a better host, and we are grateful to you and your team, as well as all the people of Turkey for the extraordinary hospitality that you've extended to us.

As you mentioned, we just heard the news of the earthquake in Italy, and we want to send out condolences to the families there and hope that we are able to get rescue teams in and that we can minimize the damage as much as possible moving forward.

I'm curious how exactly he would intend to bring in rescue crews and provide immediate assistance in the future if he's busy directing the Defense Secretary to gut the airlift capabilities and contemplates dropping an aircraft carrier or more from the fleet? At the same time, how exactly is he going to minimize the damage as much as possible moving forward since this was a natural disaster - an earthquake in a region prone to quakes? Would not a better way of stating things be that he hopes that the relief and recovery efforts get underway and the US will be there to provide whatever assistance is needed if asked?