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Lorca earthquake : One week on

Wed 18th May 2011

One week on from the two earthquakes that rocked Spain's eastern region of Murcia, and the town of Lorca is still counting the cost and effects of the devastation left behind.

Spain's worst earthquake in over 50 years took away 9 lives, including one child and two pregnant women and four of the funerals held over the weekend were attended by members of Spain's Royal family.

But, aside from the sad loss of human life, what will the cost be to rebuild this thriving community ?

A number of British and Spanish newspapers have reported the cost of rebuilding to be 70 Million Euros, but this sum seems to be an initial estimate and is likely to increase considerably once a full and detailed assessment of the town's buildings has been carried out.

All of the Towns building has now been checked over for safety and have been 'zoned' as either Red, Yellow or Green depending on the severity of damage and the risk of injury to anybody in or around the building. The Town's architectural services department will be making further checks over the coming days to ensure safety can be guaranteed.

Up to 350 Tents were hastily erected in four camps by the military in order to house the estimated 2'500 people who found themselves unwilling or unable to return home until their homes had been checked for safety. Many were fortunate to have found temporary accommodation with friend or neighbours whose homes had remained unaffected by the quake.

Dan Brammall, co-founder of Tumbit, visited relatives in Lorca over the weekend and expressed his shock at the scale of the damage: "The number of people forced to sleep in the tents was a little disturbing, something that you are used to seeing on television following earthquakes in other countries, but seeing it so close to home brings home the reality of the situation."

A week later, and many have either been able to return, home or some more permanent provision has been made for them.

The Town's 23 Schools have also now fully opened and every indication is that Lorca is still a united community with a determination to rebuild the Town. Something that the mayor, whoever that will be after the coming election, will need to place very highly on his list of priorities.

Josefina Campayo, a teacher in the town commented "The schools have all been officially opened now, but many parents have kept their children away where they know they are safe. It may take some time to get that confidence back."

The Minister for development has also announced economic aid for the Town : Those whose properties have been destroyed will be eligible to claim €106,000, whilst those whose homes suffered damage can claim €24,000, with a further €6,671 in assistance towards rent for 2 years.

It was warming to note that there was one story of hope and good fortune reported in the press. Mayte Alcazar was in the final stages of labour in the delivery room of the Rafael Mendez hospital when the quake struck. As cracks appeared in and around the walls of the ward and the paients and staff were evacuated, Doctors decided to perform and emergency cesarean to speed the birth along. Baby Alba was delivered minutes later and along with her mum, was quickly evacuated outside to safety.

With the opening of the Hospital and the Town's 23 Schools, every indication is that Lorca is still a united community with a determination to rebuild. Something that the mayor, whoever that will be after the coming election, will need to place very highly on his list of priorities.

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