Ricci, who works for the local branch of social aid agency INAS (Istituto Nazionale Di Assistenza Sociale) said when he heard the news, he quickly tried calling his in-laws in Rivisondoli, 3 km from his home town, but the phone lines were out.
He said he finally tracked down his cousin Lucia Mammala, who lives with her family in Pescecostnzo by cellphone. He says her house was damaged by overnight aftershocks.
“They were sleeping and chandeliers and pictures on the wall started to fall off the walls,” he said.