World Vision Albania has published its key findings of their rapid response to the 26 November earthquake that killed 52 people.
According to the report “within hours of the earthquake, World Vision Albania mobilized its resources and started responding to the needs of the affected people in Durres, Thumana, Kurbin, Lezha and Kamza, in coordination with the local and national government.”
They found that the most commonly named problems were damaged property, health issues namely traumatized adults and children, loss of livelihood and income, and lack of water, food, protection, and information.
In terms of shelter, World Vision found that 25.4% of those living in tents could not meet basic heating needs, 23.1% did not have access to soap, toothbrushes, feminine hygiene products and other personal care items, while 20% don’t have access to beds and blankets.
81% of adults reported high levels of fear, anxiety, sleep deprivation and loss of appetite and some 74% of children stated the same. Trauma symptoms were more prevalent with those living in tents, followed by damaged houses. 59% of citizens in tents and damaged houses reported physical health issues including fever, cough, and headaches.
Almost half of the affected population reported not having received sufficient information or support on earthquake response with Kamza area in Tirana county reporting the highest rate of those being kept in the dark.
In terms of food and water, 37% said they were not working and cannot pay for food, 30% are hungry, 28% said food distributions were insufficient and 38% said water distribution was insufficient to basic needs.
Out of those surveyed, only 32.1% had a formal salary, 31.9% had a pension, 18.2% were employed casually and the rest survive on economic aid, loans/debts, disability aid, farming, small businesses, or remittances.
