Rescuers in central Italy continue to search for possible survivors inthe rubble of Monday's earthquake as funerals begin for the victims ofthe disaster. So far, the death toll is 279, which includes at least20 children. Local and government authorities have introduced anti-looting patrols in thequake-stricken area to protect the belongings of displaced residents.
The earth continues to shake in the central Italian region of Abruzzo,already devastated by Monday's early morning earthquake. Every newaftershock terrifies the thousands living in the many tent cities setup by Italy's civil protection department.
Rescue workerscontinue to work tirelessly in an effort to find any possiblesurvivors, which may be trapped in the rubble. But no one has beenpulled out alive since Tuesday night.
Heavy machinery and sniffer dogs are being used. One firefighter explains how useful the dogs can be.
Hesays that in an emergency dogs are really man's best friend. They rundangers that man cannot run. They can reach places which man cannot.Dogs have 6,000 receptors in their nose and manage to smell odors thatwe do not even suspect.
The whole of the historic center ofl'Aquila has been closed to the public following the most recentafter-shocks for fear of new collapses. Government and localauthorities have introduced anti-looting patrols in the area to protectthe belonging of displaced residents.
One woman says she leftbehind her whole life. She says that when it ends, if God wishes, shewill return to her home. What else can one do?
Some familieshave already started holding private funeral services for the victimsof the quake. A mass funeral for between 100 and 150 of those who werekilled will be held Friday in l'Aquila.
Cardinal TarcisioBertone, the Vatican's secretary of state, will preside overthe mass, which required a special dispensation because mass is notusually celebrated on Good Friday.
Meanwhile at the Vatican,Pope Benedict celebrated a Holy Thursday Mass that included thetraditional blessing of holy oils, some of which the church will sendto the earthquake zone. The pope has said he plans to tour thequake-stricken area after Easter Sunday.