The flood situation remains critical in several areas of the country, as a result of heavy rainfall that began yesterday. The preliminary balance sheet speaks of hundreds of flooded homes, dozens of damaged businesses, family evacuations, road blockages and considerable material damage.
The hardest-hit area remains Gjirokastra, where river and stream floods have caused extensive damage, especially in the “18 Shtatori” neighborhood, where dozens of businesses, homes and vehicles have been severely damaged. Landslides and the presence of inert masses have also isolated several villages, making it difficult for residents to move around.
The situation is also problematic in Durrës, where over 800 homes have been flooded and 304 people have been evacuated. Although the rains have stopped and the situation is somewhat calmer, water continues to be present in some peripheral areas. The floods have affected public institutions, including the city prison, as well as cultural and artistic environments, endangering works of particular value.
Increased danger is reported from the Vjosa River, whose level has reached 7.2 meters and is approaching the critical point, overflowing its bed in several segments. Civil emergency structures have increased their preparedness and have notified communities along the riverbed of safety precautions.
In the north and northeast of the country, the situation remains dire in remote mountainous areas, where landslides have completely blocked connecting roads and isolated several villages. Meanwhile, on some national axes, incidents of rockfall have been recorded, fortunately with only material damage.
The rains have also caused damage to homes and road infrastructure in the south and southeast of the country, while rising river levels have led to flooding in residential areas and agricultural land. In some cases, preventive evacuations have been carried out and authorities continue to monitor the situation.
