21 killed and 45 rescued after Earthquake hit Albania, rescue teams operating 24/24, Xhaçka said

 The Minister of Defense Olta Xhaçka stated this evening that "this was the strongest earthquake our country has experienced since 1979 and this morning's strike has been accompanied by 250 earthquakes, which according to seismologists are expected to continue, hopefully, with lower intensity as is the trend, until the tectonic plate stabilizes."

In a statement to the media, Xhaçka said that "the night that passed was difficult and I know that today many citizens are anxiously and eagerly awaiting today's night. I pray for as much calmness as possible 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 a government to address the aggravated situation in earthquake-prone areas. The whole state is on feet starting with the rescue teams, army and police officers, doctors, mayors, MPs, the entire government cabinet, and hundreds of hundreds of citizens who have solidified their unsparing
tireless support”.

Minister Olta Xhaçka and her team

“There have been a lot of questions today, especially on the extent of the damage. I ask for your understanding, as our priority even when we are talking about is saving every life that can be saved. It is impossible at this time, when all energy is concentrated in search and rescue operations, to have a detailed picture of the damage. The damage is enormous, we know this. This was the strongest earthquake our country has experienced since 1979 and this morning's hit has been accompanied by 250 earthquakes, which according to seismologists are expected to continue, hopefully with lower intensity as the trend stabilizes. tectonic plates ”.

She reiterated the appeal to any citizen whose homes have been damaged: be careful not to enter the dwellings without first having the specialized units inspected.

“In respect of the citizens I would like to give an overview of the situation so far but I emphasize once again that the information is updated every minute and the figures can change. By 6.30pm it is reported that 21 people lost their lives in Durres Prefecture, precisely in Durres and Thumana as a result of the collapsing of the buildings. I emphasize that this tragic balance still remains to be officially confirmed by the relevant health and order structures according to the protocols of final expertise. The work of saving lives continues in the collapsed buildings, as a number of citizens are still locked up and for some others, there are no reports on whether or not they have been in flats at the time of the shaking,” the minister said.

Rescue teams in ruins trying to save lives in Thumana

Thanks to the intervention of specialized teams, said Xhaçka, 45 have been rescued by getting them out of the wreckage and being sent for medical assistance. About 600 residents were injured and received help at hospitals or health centers.

"The teaching today in all schools, universities and kindergartens have been suspended and will continue to be suspended also tomorrow as the government announced a few minutes ago the November 27th as day of mourning in honor of lost lives. 2,000 Armed Forces personnel (garrison officers, special forces and commandos), 1,900 State Police officers are on the ground and on full alert, along with municipal firefighting teams, dozens of medical teams and hundreds of citizens engaged in the field and are on full alert to enable the rescue of persons trapped in rubble or the erection of tents and the shelter of families whose homes have been damaged. About 200 police officers have joined the rescue teams for some hours, which are working non-stop in Durres and Thumana. Top civil emergency experts from Italy, Greece, France, Turkey, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro and Romania. The United States of America through the Regional Office for Natural Disaster Assistance will assist in terrain needs. Thanks to the partners for their solidarity!”, said the Minister.

Albanian soldiers and local officials in Thumana 

She said that "in parallel with rescue operations that will continue through the night, starting today at noon, near the Durres stadium and the Thumana sports field, 300 tents have been erected to accommodate about 1,000 residents."