Tirana, Albania, November 28, 2019
Photo: romfea.gr
The Albanian Orthodox Church, led by His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana, is providing assistance to the victims of Tuesday’s earthquake.
The 6.4 magnitude earthquake occurred early on Tuesday morning, leaving at least 5 dead, many more missing, and hundreds seriously injured. Many houses were also destroyed. Most of the collapsed buildings are located in Durrës and Tirana. Damaged buildings also exist within a 95-mile radius. There are also severe problems with electricity and telecommunications.
Following the quake, Abp. Anastasios raised the alarm in the structures of the Albanian Church, to provide the most effective and prompt assistance. The clergy are doing their best to ease the pain of the people and overcome the panic, reports Romfea.
The Church has planned the distribution of food and medical care to the victims, as well as assistance to those left homeless.
Tuesday’s earthquake is the second in Albania in the past 2 months and the strongest in the past 30 years. A 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck the same area on September 21, damaging about 500 homes and completely destroying some of them.
Condolences have been expressed to Abp. Anastasios, including from His Holiness Patriarch Neofit of Bulgaria, who wrote:
We learned with pain about the tragic earthquake this morning in Albania, which injured many and killed several people.
At this moment, when our souls and hearts are filled with grief from this event, we send a heartfelt and sincere prayer to the One who gives every good thing—the Lord Jesus Christ to comfort the Earth and make it a peaceful place to live in His creation.
God forgive the souls of those who perished in the lands of the righteous, strengthen their loved ones, and heal the wounds.
