The most powerful earthquake since 1979, Xhaçka: Our priority is to save every single life that can be saved

Published: Tuesday, 26 November 2019 20:33

 

Last night has been a difficult one and I know that today, many citizens are anxiously and fearfully waiting what may happen tonight. I pray for as much calmness as possible in order to avoid any injury that comes not from the earthquake, but from the panic.

We are doing all we can, we are doing our duty as Government to address the aggravated situation in earthquake-prone areas. The whole state is standing by Search and Rescue (SAR) teams, Military and Police servicemen, doctors, prefects, mayors, MPs, the entire Government Cabinet, and hundreds of hundreds of citizens who are showing their solidarity by giving their tireless help and unsparing support.

Many questions were asked today, especially on the magnitude of damage. I ask for your understanding. Even in this moment that we are talking, our priority is to save every single life that can be saved.

It is impossible at this time, when all the energy is concentrated on SAR operations, to have a detailed image of the damage.

We know that the damage is huge. This was the strongest earthquake our country has experienced since 1979 and this morning's shock has been accompanied by 250 aftershocks, which according to seismologists are expected to continue, hopefully with lower intensity as the trend indicates until the stabilization of the tectonic plates.

I would like to reiterate once again the appeal to every citizen whose home has been damaged: “Be careful not to enter the dwellings before the specialized units inspect them!”

In respect of the citizens, I will give an overview of the situation so far. I emphasize once more that the information is updated every minute and the figures may change.

Until 6.30pm it has been reported that 21 people had lost their lives in Durrës Prefecture, precisely in Durrës and Thumana as a result of buildings collapse. I stress that this tragic aftermath still remains to be officially confirmed by the relevant health and law and order structures according to the protocols of final expertise.

Search and rescue work continues in the collapsed buildings, as a number of citizens are still locked up while others are not reported whether or not they have been inside their buildings during the Earth quakes.

Thanks to the intervention of specialized teams, 45 people were rescued. They were taken out of the debris and were sent for medical assistance. About 600 residents were injured and received help at hospitals or medical facilities.

Today, is suspended teaching in all schools, universities, kindergartens and will continue to be suspended. For tomorrow, the government declared few minutes ago that “November 27th - National Mourning Day" in respect of lives lost.

2,000 Armed Forces effectives (Engineers, Special Forces and Commandos), 1,900 State Police servicemen are on the ground and in full alert, along with municipal firefighting teams, dozens of medical teams and hundreds of citizens who are engaged in ground and are on full alert to enable the removal and rescue of persons trapped in rubble, or the erection of tents and sheltering families whose homes have been damaged.

Over 200 officers, the best Civil Emergency experts from Italy, Greece, France, Turkey, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro and Romania joined our search and rescue teams, who have been working non-stop for several hours in Durrës and Thumana.

The United States of America through the Regional Office for Natural Disaster Assistance will assist on-site needs.

Thanks to partners for solidarity!

In line with the SAR operations that will continue all night, 300 tents have been set up todayat the Durrës stadium and Sport’s Field in Thumanë to provide shelter to about 1,000 residents in need.

Military Rest-house in Durrës, with a capacity of 200 people, is also available for people in need.
There are 90 gyms në Tiranë, Durrës, Krujë e Lezhë which are being arranged to accommodate homeless in case of need.

In addition to the accommodation provided by local and central Government, there are many hotels in Vlorë, Durrës and Tirana that have provided shelter and treatment to every fellow citizen who is struggling.

The coming hours will be difficult but solidarity between each other and the dedication of each employee to specialized structures will make it easier to cope with a situation that none of us would like to experience. Our prayers today go to every Albanian family, and especially to the families who lost their beloved ones and all those who survived this unforeseen tragedy.

Be courageous and may the God be with any Albanian families!