Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed deep shock at the loss of lives and property in a devastating earthquake that hit Italy.
“I am deeply shocked and saddened at the tragic death of so many innocent people and trapping of scores under debris by the earthquake that struck across the mountainous stretch of central Italy early Wednesday,” she said in a condolence message sent to Italian Premier Matteo Renzi on Saturday.
She said: “I along with the government and people of Bangladesh stand in solidarity with the government and people of Italy at this difficult hour.”
“On behalf of the government and people of Bangladesh, and on my own behalf, I express my deepest condolences to you and through you to the people of Italy … our thoughts and prayers are with the grieving families,” Sheikh Hasina added.
The death toll from the powerful earthquake that shook central Italy rose to 281 on Friday, officials said, as rescuers desperately searched for survivors in the rubble of devastated mountain villages.
Hundreds of others were injured, some critically, and an unknown number were trapped under the ruins of collapsed buildings after Wednesday’s pre-dawn quake.
