Reportage from Norcia's Red Zone After the 2016 Earthquake

A first-person account describes the devastation in Norcia, Umbria, following the severe earthquake of October 30, 2016. The reporter enters the Red Zone, a cordoned-off area resembling a war zone, where buildings are perilously damaged. Notable landmarks like the Basilica of San Benedetto are reduced to a solitary facade and rubble, while the co-cathedral of Santa Maria Argentea also suffered. The historic center is surreal, with lights still on and signs advertising local products amid the debris. The mayor expresses hope to rebuild starting from the birthplace of Saint Benedict, which was beneath the basilica. The article captures the fear, destruction, and resilience of the community.