142% of earthquake victims apply for aid
Government aid to victims of the 6 April earthquake that hit L’Aquila, Italy, has been held up by a small problem. The city and surrounding area have 70,000 registered residents, but 100,000 people have applied for a grant.
The local authority’s chief executive, Massimiliano Cordeschi, has noted an “incongruity” in the total numbers of residents and of those seeking aid.
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Mr Cordeschi said a possible explanation for the discrepancy in the compensation claims could be that a number of people without an official address had applied for compensation.Applications from people who had moved away from L’Aquila to live in Rome and elsewhere but had failed to change their official residence, could also account for the inconsistency, he added.
L’Aquila’s mayor Massimo Cialento insists that his constituents “are not cheats”. He should know: They voted for him.
Well, Scott, here’s where your statistical background will serve us laymen well. Are we to understand that 142% is possibly a bit higher than the norm?
I’d say it’s way higher.
I appreciate that professional opinion!