Spanish earthquake - a brief report from our clergy on the ground

Canon Hugh Broad and the Revd Christopher Scargill

Yesterday 11 May, an earthquake of magnitude 5.3 hit the town of Lorca, in the Province of Murcia, Spain. Our nearest Church of England parishes are Torrevieja and Costa Almeria. Both our priests in the area, Fr Christopher Scargill of Torrevieja and Canon Hugh Broad of Costa Almeria (who is also Area Dean) have been in touch with my office to report that members of our own communities seem to have been unaffected. The clergy are still making sure that any contacts at all in the affected zone are being followed up. The priests have also been in touch with local undertakers, just in case. Earthquakes are quite rare in this part of Spain.

Our prayers extend to all those who have been affected. Many are fearful to return to their homes in the ancient town. At least 10 have died. We also pray for the local Spanish Churches and of course the emergency services who are responding to the needs of the people of the area.

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