2009.04.14
Solidarity and sympathy with Gran Sasso scientists affected by the earthquake

The director general of KEK and its staff express deep condolences to victims of the earthquake devastated the area of central Italy on Monday, April 6, 2009. It is reported that the earthquake measured 6.3 on the Richter scale, causing hundreds of deaths and leaving thousands homeless. The epicenter is near the city of L'Aquila, and is ~15 kilometers away from the Gran Sasso National Laboratory, an underground neutrino physics research center. Although the laboratory fortunately escaped damage, the majority of laboratory people live in the L'Aquila area and many have lost their homes. According to e-mails from my friends, it would be long before they are able to fully return to work.

On behalf of KEK staff and employees, I would like to express my heartfelt sympathy to the laboratory people who are now working hard toward recovery.

Thank you very much for your kind attention.

Atsuto Suzuki, KEK Director General