Devastated by Earthquake, Albania Receives International Support

The recent earthquake that tore through Albania left destruction in its wake. (Wikimedia Commons)

A 6.4-magnitude earthquake that tore through northwest Albania on November 26 resulted in around 50 deaths and 2,000 injuries. The natural disaster has been met with widespread support from European nations as Albania mobilizes to handle the destruction and ensuing homelessness. 

In addition to the high death and injury toll, nearly 12,000 Albanians are now homeless as a result of the earthquake. The widespread destruction of buildings occurred largely in the capital city, Tirana, as well as in Durres and Thumane, with more than 11,000 buildings damaged in these major cities. 

Critics claim that the widespread destruction caused by the earthquake was due in part to a corrupt construction industry that produces faulty and frail structures. A recently drafted bill will, if passed into law, hold accountable those who played a hand in the poor construction of the buildings damaged in the earthquake.

Additionally, the government will pay around $9,000 to families who lost a family-member in the earthquake and will work to rebuild the damaged buildings by next year.

The international community has mobilized to help Albania rebuild. The European Commission has pledged €15 million ($16.6 million) to Albania’s rebuilding efforts. The European Union and the United Nations have also joined forces to respond to the earthquake. The World Health Organization (WHO) is working to aid Albanians affected by the quake. 

“We have been on the ground from the first moment of this disaster, working with health authorities to save lives,” says Dr. Piroska Östlin of the WHO. 

Albania’s prime minister is reportedly optimistic for the future considering the widespread international support that Albania has received.