Albania: Help in Hard Times

November 3, 2020

With her home left unsafe by the earthquake, this woman has set up a tent in her yard until repairs can be completed. Food and hygiene items provided by IOCC will help her focus on other expenses for the next few months. Photo: Diakonia Agapes.

On November 26, 2019, a 6.4 magnitude earthquake devastated the country of Albania, on the west coast of the Balkan Peninsula. Over 50 people were killed, some 900 were injured, and thousands more lost their homes (Relief Web).

To support survivors, many of them living in emergency tents and other temporary shelters, IOCC has been working with local partner Diakonia Agapes (under the Albanian Orthodox Church) to distribute emergency supplies, even as this disaster is no longer making headlines. Earlier this year, with IOCC funding, Diakonia Agapes helped 56 families in three municipalities with food and hygiene packages—delivering basics like olive oil, flour, and other dry goods, plus laundry and dish soap, shampoo, and bath towels.

As the weather cools and winter approaches, these basic items will help earthquake survivors live just a bit more comfortably as they continue working toward rebuilding their homes and communities.

Outside his temporary shelter in this container, a man displaced by the earthquake signs as he receives emergency items to help him and his family get through this difficult period. Photo: Diakonia Agapes.