Prime Minister Edi Rama convened the Inter-Ministerial Committee for Civil Emergencies to address the situation created by the floods of recent days, as a result of intense rainfall that has affected several areas of the country.
During his speech, Rama emphasized that the situation is not isolated only in Albania, but has affected the entire region and beyond, also responding to criticism from the opposition. "The rain does not stop with slander, but by standing by the citizens," said the head of government.
He called for calm and unity in this difficult situation:
"Patience is essential. Reactions feed nervousness. In a situation like this, imaginary culprits are not sought, but real people are helped. They do not need slander and theories, but support and joining forces."
Rama emphasized that the heavy rainfall has been unusual and has exceeded the monthly average rainfall, bringing serious consequences:
"As of this writing, there are 1,587 homes with water and 51 families have been evacuated. The amount of rainfall has been extraordinary, more than the average amount that falls throughout the month."
The Prime Minister also emphasized climate change, underlining that it brings increasingly extreme weather:
“Climate change doesn’t just mean hotter summers, but also more extreme weather: more droughts, more fires and more floods. This is the climate we live in today.”
Regarding measures and investments, Rama announced that 11 million euros will be invested, or about 8% more than last year, while 536 irrigation and drainage canals have been reconstructed. He also emphasized the transformation of civil emergency structures and 24-hour mobilization throughout the territory.
In conclusion, the head of government guaranteed support for those affected by the floods:
"Today I want to assure the victims that we will stand with the same human and state dignity, whether for housing or for living things. Intensive work and uninterrupted furnishing will continue until this situation is completely overcome."
