LDS missionaries in Italy safe after 6.2 magnitude earthquake

Photo: Intellectual Reserve

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Aug. 24, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — A spokesman for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints confirmed on Wednesday that all LDS missionaries in Italy are safe after the 6.2 magnitude earthquake that struck the country yesterday.

At least 120 people in central Italy are confirmed dead after the quake, which hit at 3:30 a.m. Wednesday local time (7:30 p.m. Tuesday Mountain Time). The death toll is expected to rise dramatically as the rubble is cleared, since the quake caught most people asleep in their beds.

LDS Church spokesman Eric Hawkins released the following statement regarding the earthquake and the status of missionaries.

“We pray for the people in Italy as they continue their efforts to locate survivors and care for those who have been affected by the recent earthquakes. We are grateful to report that all missionaries in these areas have been accounted for and are safe. We also recognize events in Myanmar, and likewise pray for the people of that country impacted by the overnight earthquake.”

The Myanmar earthquake occurred 4:34 a.m. Wednesday local time (4:04 p.m. Tuesday Utah time), and reportedly killed three people and damaged more than 170 temples that were centuries old. The quake was 6.8 magnitude, but did less damage because it originated deeper in the Earth.

The church also posted a message about the European earthquake on its Italian media website, translated here:

“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints expresses great sorrow for all those who have been affected by the terrible tragedy of the earthquake that devastated Accumoli and Amatrice in the province of Rieti in Lazio and all the surrounding areas.

“All missionaries and Church members are alive and well.

“As they continue the search for those trapped in the rubble, we invite everyone to pray for those who are suffering, for those without news of their loved ones, for those who are injured, for those who are still under the rubble.”

The LDS Church has 26,248 members and 103 congregations in Italy, according to a church media website. The church has two missions and 68 Family History Centers. The church media office declined to say how many missionaries are assigned to Italy.

1 COMMENT

  1. They are alive thank God! But realize all the others living …..do not wear garments or subscribe to Mormon thought. 99 percent of humans with common sense in the world are not Mormon for a reason.

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