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IOCC Responds to Tremor in Central Serbia

November 8, 2010

Baltimore, MD (IOCC) International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) is working with Philanthropy, the charitable fund of the Serbian Orthodox Church, and local organizations to assess the needs following a moderate 5.3 earthquake that struck central Serbia on November 3 claiming at least two lives and injuring more than fifty people.

The temblor was centered near the city of Kraljevo where it destroyed or damaged buildings and left parts of the city without utility services, according to Interior Ministry of Serbia. The area is 30 miles from institutions where IOCC is implementing projects to assist disabled children and adults. There have been no reports of damage to the facilities, although the residents were shaken by the tremor.

"As we know from the earthquake in Haiti earlier this year, beyond the damage to buildings, loss of life and the immediate physical needs, the psychological effects of the earthquake can be deeply felt," observed Constantine M. Triantafilou, IOCC executive director. "We pray for the families who have been directly impacted by the quake and those who have been traumatized by this disaster."

IOCC and Philanthropy are long-time partners in Serbia and will coordinate their response to the affected areas. The agencies anticipate providing emergency assistance through the provision of food items and are assessing the need for construction materials to repair damaged homes as colder winter weather sets in.

IOCC and Philanthropy are members of the ACT Alliance, a global coalition of churches and agencies engaged in development, humanitarian assistance and advocacy.

You can help the victims of disasters around the world, like the Serbia Earthquake, by making a financial gift to the IOCC International Emergency Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief as well as long-term support through the provision of emergency aid, recovery assistance and other support to help those in need. To make a gift, please visit www.iocc.org, call toll free at 1-877-803-IOCC (4622), or mail a check or money order payable to IOCC, P.O. Box 630225, Baltimore, Md. 21263-0225.