26 November 2019 | Tirana [tedNEWS with Leo España]
At least thirteen are reported dead and 600 injured in the most powerful earthquake to hit Albania in decades. The 6.4-magnitude quake struck shortly before 4am local time on Tuesday, 26 November some 30km (19 miles) west of the capital, Tirana.
Leo España, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Mission in Albania, states that church members have reported being well, but there is serious damage to some buildings and houses, especially in the city of Durres, close to the epicentre of the earthquake.
On behalf of both church members and the larger population of Albania, Pastor España expressed thanks for all the prayers and messages of support that are already coming in. He adds, “We are praying for protection and have set a schedule to pray altogether as a church.”
“We are having aftershocks and people are afraid and prefer to stay outside,” España said.
There are 439 Adventist members in Albania serving a population of 2.8 million in a country where the average income is less than a third of the European Union average. Among the Adventist projects in the country are health and education programmes. In addition, there is a very highly regarded ADRA Kindergarten in the capital, Tirana. The Kindergarten appears unharmed as it is located in an open environment. España says that Church leaders will check Adventist church buildings later in the day, but expresses “thanks to God for protecting our church families.”
ADRA Europe in already in consultation with colleagues on the ground and is working on an initial response strategy.
