Heavy flooding in northwest Albania forces thousands to evacuate

This New Year, Albania faces a potential catastrophe after days of heavy rain which has left thousands of houses flooded in the region of Shkodra, northwest of the Albanian capital Tirana.

According to Albanian media and official government data, more than 3,400 Shkodra residents have been evacuated from the flood area and some 9,150 hectares of agricultural land and 2,080 houses have been inundated.

Albanian authorities were obligated to open the gates of the hydro-central stations of Fierza, Koman and Vau i Dejes, which contributed to more flooding in Shkodra and several villages near the Adriatic Sea.

In response to the flooding, the Albanian military and other government structures have been activated to offer emergency relief in Shkodra including evacuation assistance and aid distribution.

Children and women were the first to be evacuated. Afraid to lose their possessions and belongings some of the villagers refused to leave their homes, but the authorities demanded that they evacuate because of the opened emergency gates of the Koman Hydro-Central.

'Most of the families have one or two representatives who stay behind in the house, to protect their possessions...they feel this is something that happens every year. This is the reason they do not leave, and they did not seem to be very worried about it. This however presents a serious danger to their lives,' said Edmond Qokaj, World Vision Albania Humanitarian & Emergency Affairs Coordinator.

According to Albanian experts, the situation is more serious than first perceived. If the authorities do not open the hydro-central gates the situation will quickly escalate into a national catastrophe and it is thought that the water could even cause flooding in neighbouring Montenegro villages.

World Vision Albania, through the Shkodra Area Development Programme, has been following the situation closely and is currently assessing the needs of the evacuated families. Simultaneously, World Vision is collaborating with the Albanian government and other NGOs involved to decide on a strategy of intervention and support, especially for children and women.

'It is very hard to scan the situation, since it is very dynamic and it can change overnight. As World Vision we are closely following the emergency and will provide assistance for the children and their families as needed,' concluded Mr. Qokaj.