 |
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has declared a state of emergency in the country.
"We gather in this session of the Council of Ministers to address a situation that unfortunately has a tragic balance with so far 24 killed, 657 injured, and thankfully 45 lives saved from the wreckage of a devastating earthquake for thousands of families and challengers for our society, for our state and government and for our nation as a whole," Rama said.
He justified taking extraordinary measures, explaining that such a measure would create another level of governance for the next 30 days.
“A state of emergency is not just a matter of finances, but a series of measures. I do not know whether those who preached it were willing to submit to such measures. This has been the reason we have reflected because the state of emergency coincides with the taking or creation of a new level of the situation for a period of 30 days," said Prime Minister Rama.
Albania was hit by a magnitude of 6.4 on Tuesday, causing at least 26 deaths and hundreds more injuries.
Numerous damage has been reported to buildings, houses and hotels mainly in the Durres, Thumana and Tirana areas. Over 40 people were evacuated from the ruins of flats and palaces collapsed by the heavy shaking.
Wednesday is declared a day of national mourning. There is also a day of mourning in Kosovo.
The President of the Republic, Ilir Meta has canceled the state reception organized for Independence Day.
“Given the grave natural disaster that hit our country and unfortunately caused the loss of lives, injuries and tremendous material damage and the priority importance of concentrating all our forces and energies to face the catastrophic consequences of In light of this tragedy, the President of the Republic of Albania, Ilir Meta has decided to cancel the state reception organized on the occasion of the Flag Day and the Independence Day,” the Albanian Presidency announced.
Specialized teams from Kosovo, Italy, Greece, Turkey and many other countries have arrived to the support of the Albanian authorities, which have sent specialized rescue teams and other financial and food aid.
Albania's Institute of Geosciences, Energy, Water and the Environment has announced that the country has been hit by 523 earthquakes since Tuesday's major earthquake.
The four strongest oscillations have been above 4.5 magnitudes, including the major 6.3 magnitude earthquake.
Meanwhile, 7 oscillations have been of 4 - 4.5 magnitude Richter. About 17 oscillations are 3.5 - 3.9, and the rest are below this magnitude.
Following Tuesday's powerful earthquake, Albania's Ministry of Education has announced that teaching nationwide will be suspended for two days.
Two months ago, Albania was hit by an earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale and a magnitude of 7.5. It was considered the largest recorded in the last 20-30 years.
That earthquake was followed by at least 350 shakes of lower intensity.
The earthquake that struck Albania on Tuesday morning is the strongest that has hit Albania since 1926.