Albania Earthquake: Red Cross teams providing urgent medical assistance, food and water to survivors

Red Cross and Red Crescent teams from across Europe have arrived in Albania to help the local Red Cross with rescue and relief efforts following a 6.4 magnitude earthquake near the capital Tirana.

The earthquake, which struck just before 4 a.m. on November 26, has killed 31 people and injured more than 650, according to the Government. An estimated 100,000 people are affected and around 30,000 need immediate assistance, including 2,500 who are homeless. Aftershocks continue to rock the region and rescuers are still looking for people in the rubble of collapsed buildings in Thumane and Durres.

The Albanian Red Cross has deployed doctors, first aiders and 160 volunteers, who are working at hospitals and at a tent camp at the football stadium in Durres, providing medical care, first aid, psychosocial support, food, water, hot drinks, blankets and hygiene items.

Canadians can support the response efforts by making a donation to the Albania Earthquake Appeal.

The Red Cross is working to coordinate emergency relief efforts and get help to people in affected areas as quickly as possible. Money raised will enable the Red Cross to provide relief, recovery, and resiliency activities in response to this disaster.

Time is of the essence as Red Cross workers meet the most urgent of humanitarian needs. The immediate focus is providing essentials including food, water, blankets, shelter, hygiene items and health care.

This is the biggest earthquake in Albania for 30 years and those affected will need ongoing support to recover homes, health and livelihoods.

The Secretary General of Albanian Red Cross, Mr. Artur Katuci, said he is touched by the solidarity shown by the Red Cross and Red Crescent family.

“Our friends from across Europe have stepped up to help us in our hour of need. They have sent medical teams, relief teams, emergency aid and even rescue dogs. Their help is extremely appreciated. We will not forget this.”

Mr. Katuci said the Italian Red Cross has sent a team specialising in search and rescue, camp management and logistics who will help set up tents for the displaced. Turkish Red Crescent has sent two trucks with tents, blankets, hygiene kits and food. The Red Cross of North Macedonia has deployed a medical team and logistics team with a supply of blankets, sleeping bags, portable beds, food and hygiene kits.

“This assistance is going directly to people who have lost their homes and are living in tents in a football field. Those affected by the earthquake are very grateful for the help of the Red Cross. Our staff and volunteers are doing an excellent job but our biggest work will be in the months ahead,” Mr Katuci said.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), also has a team on the ground, joining around 500 staff and volunteers from Albanian Red Cross, who are providing medical care, first aid, psychosocial support, food, water, hot drinks, blankets and hygiene items at hospitals and tent camps set up by the Government.

Canadians can support the response efforts by making a donation to the Albania Earthquake Appeal.

The Red Cross is working to coordinate emergency relief efforts and get help to people in affected areas as quickly as possible. Money raised will enable the Red Cross to provide relief, recovery, and resiliency activities in response to this disaster.