Tirana, Nov 29 (TIWN) The Albanian government on Friday declared an end to the search and rescue phase of the country's post-earthquake operations.

Authorities called off search and rescue operations in Thumane, after recovering the bodies of the last people who had been reported missing. It was the worst-hit town, with 23 dead.  Seven of the 23 belonged to a single family of nine.  "God let us keep two [members of the family] but took seven from us," survivor Sul Cara told VOA. "Now we are focused on paying our respects to the dead, as honor and tradition demands of us. We will try our best to show strength as we send off seven loved ones to burial. This is a heavy tragedy to bear, but at the same time we have found strength in the outpouring of support, not just from this town but from the whole country."