Minister Xhaçka spells out the casualties, calls on citizens: Do not go back to the damaged dwellings!

Published: Wednesday, 27 November 2019 19:23

Dear citizens,

This is the most difficult communication that an Albanian state official can ever wish for.

The earthquake of November 26th was a really serious event. It has caused fear and anxiety, sensations that are felt every time the Earth trembles, as it did a few minutes ago. It has caused massive damage, which will take time to recover but we will recover. The dwellings will be rebuilt; businesses will restart; life will resume for all citizens. You will have all our support, all the support of the Albanian state, international partners, Albanian citizens, to overcome this difficult situation and to start from scratch.

But there is something we can never turn back. None of us can! There are 28 lives lost, leaving behind a gap that no one can fill.

I know that words are superfluous and nothing can comfort their families about the loss, but as a sign of respect for the lives lost, I would like to share today with all citizens the names of all 28 children, girls, boys, men and women who failed to survive this tragedy and to recall them together in these hours of pain and consolation for all.

In Durrës have lost their lives:

1- Amelia Lala, 8 years old
2- Esiela Karanxha, 8 years old
3- Bajram Hajdarmataj, 54 years old
4- Sadik Qato, 85 years old
5- Isah Abazi, 29 years old
6- Flatar Zenelaj, 64 years old
7- Eviola Broshka, 28 years old
8- Kristi Reçi, 24 years old
9- Sehadete Lala, 79 years old
10- Djena Karanxha
11- Eduart Reçi
12- Shemsedin Abazi

In Krujë:

1. Ariela Lala 4 years old
2. Bukurije Leka
3. Erisa Cara
4. Fatmira Cuka 44 years old
5. Selvie Lala 77 years old
6. Saimir Greku
7. Kristjan Preçi 26 years old
8. Sardi Cuka 18 years old
9. Hajrie Vata 65 years old
10. Klevis Çupi (Aliu) 34 years old
11. Drita Cakoni 58 years old
12. Pëllumb Greku 57 years old
13. Çelike Grupieku 57 years old
14. Hajredin Çupi, 66 years old
15. Kastriot Cakoni

Whereas in Lezhë:

Kristian Preçi 25 years old – got injured by the earthquake and the vehicle that was taking him to the hospital got out of the way. As a result, Kristian Preçi lost his life.
These are very difficult moments for all of us, filled with anxiety, sadness for the lives lost, but also filled with hope for the injured people.

This has been a really tough event. However, an impressive phenomenon occurred and it is undoubtedly the extraordinary spirit of solidarity we have seen homeland and abroad.

I was really moved, but also very proud, as I am convinced that all of you are, when I saw citizens willing and trying to help within and beyond their means. I am also truly grateful and speechless, in fact, from those hundreds of thousands of ordinary Albanians who have come to their aid, assisting in search and rescue operations, donating food and clothing, opening doors, or hotels to shelter those affected by this tragedy.

I would like to thank once again all the citizens, who are still working today voluntarily, tirelessly and often at great risk. As I would like to thank all the allies and partners of Albania, and above all our brothers and sisters from Kosovo who have stood by us the way Albanians know to stand by each-other in their difficult times. I'm speechless! Thank you from the heart!

I would like to take advantage of this opportunity to reinforce the same message: "The danger phase has not passed yet!" This danger today comes above all from damaged buildings, which may be at risk of collapse or may have suffered structural damage. So I want to reiterate the call for citizens:

“Please do not go back to your dwellings if they have such damage! Even if you are not sure, it is best for you, your families, to wait until verifications are made by expert teams who are already organized and will be on site 24 hours in the days to come.”

I would also like to call on all local authorities to speed up this process as much as possible, because this is not just an inventory and damage evaluation process but a process that saves lives. It is a huge commitment which should be fulfilled with the utmost rigor and responsibility. We should seriously consider and inspect every report and denounce and not bring the situation to a point where people lose patience, get tired of waiting and take the risk of returning to their damaged homes.

I know this is only the beginning. Therefore, mine is not a criticism, but a warning so that they be committed in this process with all the seriousness that this situation demands and the Albanian citizens deserve. Of course, for all the lack of professional capacities that municipalities may have, they will be assisted by the construction institute professionals or the builders' association to carry out the vetting process as soon as possible.

For further information we will be in contact in the upcoming hours…

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