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Poland sends recon team to quake-stricken Albania

07.12.2019 09:30
A military reconnaissance team is flying to earthquake-stricken Albania on Saturday, Poland’s Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak has announced.
Locals look at a destroyed house after an earthquake in Durres, Albania, November 27, 2019. A magnitude 6.4 earthquake hit the country on 26 November 2019, leaving at least 50 people dead and 650 injured, reports state.
Locals look at a destroyed house after an earthquake in Durres, Albania, November 27, 2019. A magnitude 6.4 earthquake hit the country on 26 November 2019, leaving at least 50 people dead and 650 injured, reports state. EPA/VALDRIN XHEMAJ

Soldiers are to estimate how they can help in removing the effects of the natural disaster, Poland’s IAR news agency reported.

A 6.5 magnitude earthquake struck the north-western part of Albania end November, leaving 50 people dead and more than 900 injured.

Błaszczak said on Twitter on Friday: “Poland’s allies can count on [the country’s] help.”

He added that Poland “will help rebuild the infrastructure, among other things.”

More than 5,000 people were left homeless as a result of the tragedy. Half of them live in temporary locations -- hotels and shelters.

The greatest damage was recorded in the area of the cities of Durres and Thumane in the west of the country.

The November earthquake was the strongest in Albania in 30 years. Located on the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, the country is situated in a seismic zone.

The EU, the United States and Albania's neighbouring countries have pledged assistance. France has sent rescuers.

A fundraising action geared towards helping the victims was launched by the Polish Medical Mission.

(aba)

Source: IAR