Italy's Earthquake-Hit Towns Rebuild Social Fabric

Ten years after the 2016 earthquakes devastated central Italy, people are choosing to stay and rebuild communities in areas like Amatrice, Accumoli, and Arquata del Tronto. ActionAid Italia has been present since the immediate aftermath, shifting its focus from emergency aid to supporting local services, youth, women, and social reconstruction.

The organization emphasizes community-led initiatives, helping spontaneous groups formalize and addressing evolving needs like psychological support and transportation to essential services. The "Carovana nelle Terre Mutate 2026", a collective walk from Fabriano to L'Aquila, aims to listen to residents, document changes, and highlight ongoing challenges beyond the physical damage.

Local entrepreneurs are also forging new paths, like Milena Bruni who started a cosmetic business using goat milk, demonstrating a commitment to revitalizing the local economy. The long-term goal is not just rebuilding homes, but fostering vibrant communities where people feel connected and have opportunities to thrive. The Carovana and ActionAid’s work seek to ensure these territories aren’t forgotten and to showcase the resilience of those who call them home.