The intense rainfall of recent hours has led to a significant increase in river levels in several regions of the country, creating serious problems such as flooding of agricultural lands and homes, landslides, infrastructure damage and road blockages.
The most problematic situation is in the regions of Shkodër, Lezhë, Durrës, Fier, Berat and Gjirokastër, while in other regions the situation remains under monitoring or without immediate danger. Civil Protection Structures and the Armed Forces, under the coordination of the National Civil Protection Agency and the Ministry of Defense, are engaged in the field to cope with the emergency, evacuate residents and minimize damage.
Shkoder
In the village of Obot, the water level has reached about 60 cm above the main road, allowing traffic only for heavy vehicles. The areas of agricultural land under water have increased, while 15 houses are surrounded by water in Vau e Dejës. In Malësia e Madhe, blocked roads and the presence of water are reported, while in Fushë-Arrëz, landslides and road damage have been identified.
Lezha
About 3 thousand hectares of agricultural land are under water. Two families have been evacuated and about 100 homes are surrounded by water in Dajç, Babullojë, Balldren and Shënkoll. Landslides are reported in Torovicë and Tresh, as well as works to close the breach in the embankment on the Droje River, in the village of Dukagjin.
Vlore
The level of the Vjosa River in Novosela has exceeded 8 meters. 13 families have been evacuated near the Mifoli Bridge and in Novosela, while no water has entered homes.
Durres
The situation is improving, but work is underway to remove water from about 800 homes and buildings, mainly in the prison area, the former Kënetës, Shkozet and Nishtullë. 250 people have been sheltered in the AF Rest House in Durres and 55 people in the Ministry of Interior's Co-op. The Erzen and Ishëm rivers, as well as the Tones canal, are at maximum levels, while some roads remain blocked.
In the Municipality of Kruja, as a result of the breach in the embankment of the Droje River, water has flooded the villages of Dukagjin i Ri and Miliska, affecting around 50 families. In Shijak, water is reported to be present in 15 homes, mainly in Xhafzotaj, Maminas and Gjepalaj.
Kukes
The rivers are at high levels, but so far no problems or risks to residential areas have been reported.
Tirana
An increase in river levels has been noted in the areas of Rrogozhina and Kavaja, however the situation appears stable and without immediate danger to homes.
Korce
In the Korça region, several impassable roads have been reported in Devoll, as well as landslides and road blockages in the areas of Pogradec and Prrenjas. In the Maliq Municipality, significant areas of agricultural land are under water.
Bera
Around 95 hectares of agricultural land have been flooded as a result of the rising level of the Osum River. Measures have been taken to secure businesses in the “22 Tetori” and “Gorica” neighborhoods, while work is underway to remove water from the pedestrian area through suction pumps.
fern
In the Fier region, around 200 hectares of flooded agricultural land and the presence of water in 27 homes in several villages are reported. Local structures and civil emergencies are on the ground to manage the situation.
Engagement of the Armed Forces
In total, about 150 Armed Forces personnel, over 20 high-crossing and heavy-tonnage vehicles, 10 lifeboats and motorboats, as well as 15 suction pumps of various capacities have been deployed to deal with the situation. The forces have been deployed mainly in the regions of Shkodër, Lezhë, Vlorë, Durrës, Gjirokastër and Fier, with a focus on evacuations, reinforcement of embankments and removal of waters.
