Albania Shaken, Politicians on the ground: A call for solidarity

Albania Shaken, Politicians on the ground: A call for solidarity

Immediately after the powerful earthquake, political leaders have descended on the grounds of the most affected areas. President Ilir Meta immediately went to the Trauma Hospital in Tirana to gather information on the conditions of those injured.

President Ilir Meta called the situation “dramatic” as he visited Thumane, the town closest to the epicenter, where at least two people have died. “We hope to overcome this with the least amount of lives lost,” he wrote in a tweet.

In a statement, President Meta vowed that rescuers would “save every human life under the rubble of buildings and to help the injured.” It was unclear how many people were trapped under rubble.

The Presidency announced that the Head of State has asked the Prime Minister of Kosovo for help in providing rescue groups.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Edi Rama did not ask for help from his Kosovar counterpart, but rather from President Hashim Thaçi.

The Head of government made his first stop in Durrës, where he inspected the situation closely.

Rama said all government agencies were “intensively working to save lives in the fatal areas in Durrës and Thumanë.”

“This is a dramatic moment where we all have to remain calm, and help one another to cope with this shock,” Rama wrote on his Facebook page.

The Prime Minister then traveled to Thumana. The head of the Albanian government, keeping in mind the difficult situation caused by the earthquakes, also asked the Greek, Italian, French and Turkish Presidents for help.

Even the opposition leader, Lulzim Basha was in Thumanë among those who met with citizens and residents affected by the earthquake.

The Democratic Party leader, Lulzim Basha, called on the government to immediately declare a state of emergency to treat the injured, evaluate damage, and to properly manage widespread panic and consequences.

He expressed his condolences to the families who have lost their relatives and wished a quick recovery to the injured.

“This morning we were all deeply shocked by the terrifying earthquake that, unfortunately, claimed many lives, caused injuries, and great damage.

“I call on the government to immediately declare a state of emergency. Brothers and sisters, we should all stay together in solidarity as brothers and sisters of one blood, of one nation, alongside people who have lost dear relatives, along with injured citizens who are still in shock and badly injured.

“Respect, gratitude and total support for doctors, nurses, police officers, military, emergency personnel, and companies that are doing their best to cope with this difficult situation are all on full display. All together as one big family, no matter what,” said Basha.

Defense Minister, Olta Xhaçka has confirmed the loss of several human lives while announcing that the 6.4 earthquake has unleashed at least 100 more tremors.

Xhaçka appealed to citizens to keep calm, while saying that neighboring countries are bringing in specialized teams of help and support.

EMISIONET