Albania – Calls for International Help After Floods Damage Homes and Infrastructure

Almost 5,000 households have suffered flood damage in Albania since torrential rainfall on 01 December, 2017.

Around 600 families are still homeless after being forced to evacuate. Over 100 road sections and dozens of bridges have been damaged, along with infrastructure such as power and water supply stations. In the latest assessment, an area of around 15,000 hectares was under water.

EU Civil Protection Mechanism (EUCPM) was activated on 05 December after receiving a request from Albania . Priority requested items are bridge reconstruction elements, power generators, water motor pumps, water safety and rescue garments and other relief item.

The Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operation (ECHO) has produced a map of the affected areas in Albania. See the full map here.

Map of floods in Albania, December 2017. Image credit: ERCC / ECHO

Vulnerable Infrastructure

Damage assessments suggest that more than 15,000 hectares have been flooded and the current assessment indicate the following damages: 4,715 buildings, 41 business, 127 road sections, 177 schools, 78 bridges, 30 water supply stations, 11 dams, 26 electrical stations, 29 dikes and one water pumping station.

Recent research led by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) and published in the journal Global Environment Change says that damage to infrastructure across Europe by one or more climate-related hazards is likely to grow between now and 2100.

NATO

Albania has also requested help from NATO’s Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC).

In a statement of 04 December, NATO said:

“These are the most severe rainfalls Albania has ever recorded. The response of the institutions has been vital to prevent loss of human lives. On the other hand, based on initial assessments, the material damage has been extensive.”

NATO said that items such as rescue equipment, Bailey bridge set, medical and emergency supplies as well as food are urgently needed. As of 05 December, Montenegro and Bulgaria had sent some relief supplies including blankets, tents and food.