EARTHQUAKE IN CENTRAL SERBIA

A series of earthquakes hit central Serbia on Wednesday 3 November 2010. Two people were killed and over 50 injured by the 5.4 earthquake. The greatest damage was recorded in and around the cities of Kraljevo and Kragujevac, with around 120,000 people affected. Many of these are refugees from Croatia and from Bosnia and Herzegovina, and displaced people from Kosovo and Metohija. Over 70 percent of houses had major damage. By 4 November, 4000 buildings had been analysed, with one third being assessed as unsuitable for habitation. Five schools were completely destroyed. The public water supply system and public health care centres were also heavily affected by the earthquake.

A high proportion of the affected population was already vulnerable, living on the edge of or bellow the poverty line, and are now unable to rebuild their homes. More than 15,000 people in Kraljevo and 23,000 in Kragujevac are registered as unemployed. This earthquake will provoke a new wave of social vulnerability. Local authorities say the most urgent needs are for construction materials such as tiles, cement and lime, bearing in mind it is autumn and raining. In a second phase, Kraljevo will need emergency shelter for the most vulnerable people. However, support to the affected population is limited as the local authority budget has only 30% of funds necessary to cover the damage.

Please, support the following activities:

· Identification of the most vulnerable families and individuals affected by the earthquake

· Provision of potable water

· Purchasing construction materials and other related goods

· Transportation of materials to Kraljevo, and consequently to affected areas

· Provision of construction teams of skilled individuals capable for offering construction services

· Purchasing and distribution of hygienic and nutrition packages