Torrential rain in Albania has caused flooding in central areas of the country, prompting dozens of families to evacuate their homes.
So far evacuations have been carried out in Marikaj and Laknas in Tirana County, Fushë-Krujë in Durrës County and also in Bardhaj, Shkodër County, where the Kir river has overflowed.
Local media are reporting that a man died after he was electrocuted in flood water. Roads have been blocked, flights cancelled and schools closed. Over 70,000 homes have been left without electricity.
Emergency services have evacuated 200 people after they were trapped inside a flooded shopping centre in Kashar, Tirana County.
Warnings
Some areas have recorded around 150 mm of rain in the last 24 hours. Heavy rain has also been reported elsewhere in the region, including in Macedonia, Croatia and Montenegro.
More heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecast for Albania over the coming days and the country’s Ministry of Interior has called on people to avoid unnecessary travel and to heed all flood warnings.
The Ministry of Interior said that all authorities – civil defence, emergency services, police and military – are working to manage the situation on the ground and require the understanding of the citizens and their cooperation.
