"Durres will never be the same city again"

Mission Without Borders' response to the earthquake in Albania

“The overall situation is one of sadness and shock..”

A devastating earthquake struck Albania on Tuesday November 26, 2019. The The magnitude-6.4 tremor struck 34 km (21 miles) north-west of Tirana and rescuers continued to look for survivors into December as after shocks added to the damage. 51 people were killed, 2000 injured, and 4000 made homeless in Albania’s worst earthquake in decades, with an estimated 2365 buildings destroyed. 

Most of the deaths occurred in Durres, where Mission Without Borders (MWB) is based, and in the town of Thumane. Because of this, Mission Without Border’s local staff were initially unable to access the Mission office and some of them spent the night in the local football stadium in Durres along with thousands of others made homeless by the disaster. One staff member reported that people panicked as the tremors continued, with many afraid or unable to return home.  They have now been able to contact all the families that we work with and confirm that they are all physically safe.

Albania Earthquake

Helping Albania

Our programme staff are out in the community supporting affected families and distributing much needed help including food and hygiene items. The emotional and spiritual support they provide is also vital at such a time of crisis.

We are working alongside the Evangelical Alliance and other aid agencies such as the Red Cross who have been mobilised to respond to this disaster.

Currently we are distributing the food, clothing and hygiene items that we have available, in addition a lorry of goods is currently being prepared to be sent from our International warehouse in Romania with additional relief supplies.  More will be sent as soon as we can assess what is most needed.

MWB is uniquely rooted within communities in Albania and our local staff maintain close relationships with the families and people we work with. As such we are committed to support those affected by the earthquake as long as the need remains.

2365

homes were destroyed in Albania's worst earthquake in decades.

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