Heavy downpours in parts of south eastern Europe have caused damaging floods in Albania, Greece and Romania over the last few days.
One Dead in Albania
Albania’s Interior Ministry reported yesterday heavy rain has been affecting the northern, western and central areas of the country over the past few days causing floods and landslides.
One death has been reported in the north west town of Laç, Kurbin municipality, Lezhë County, which is about 80 kilometres (50 miles) northwest of the capital, Tirana. The victim was swept away by fast flowing flood water.
The Interior Ministry say that the flooding occurred after a period of heavy rain on 10 October 2016, with the heaviest of the rain falling during the afternoon. A river overflowed in the Kurbin municipality area, flooding around 100 homes. At least six families have been displaced as a result. Crops and livestock has also been damaged.
Parts of Mirditë, also in Lezhë County, saw some flooding, forcing 2 families to evacuate their homes in the village of Lurth.
Over 150 emergency personnel, including police and military, have been deployed to the affected areas.
Heavy rain has also been reported in the counties of Dibër, Tirana and Korçë. According to WMO figures, 53 mm of rain fell in a 24 hour period in the city of Korçë between 10 and 11 October, 2016. Further heavy rain is forecast for much of the country over the next 24 hours..
Hundreds Evacuated in Romania
Flooding also affected parts of eastern Romania after heavy rain that began yesterday, 11 October. Hundreds of people have been evacuated as a precaution.
The National Institute of Hydrology and Water Management has issued flood warnings for the Geru and Suhu (tributaries of the Lower Siret) in Galați County. Over 90 mm of rain has fallen in the last 24 hours in the town of Galați.
According to the Romanian Ministry of Interior, around 500 people have been evacuated in the county; 60 people in the town of Slobozia-Conachi, 200 in Cuza Vodă and 250 in Pechea. Roads and schools in the area have been closed as a precaution.
Yellow or orange flood warnings have been issued for several other rivers across the eastern part of the country.
Rainfall figures for a 24 hour period to 12 October, 2016, according to WMO:
- Galați – 90.6 mm
- Bucuresti – 53.6 mm
- Bacau – 78.4 mm
- Botosani – 57.8 mm
Homes and Roads Damaged in Greece
Severe weather, including heavy rain and strong winds, has also affected parts of Greece, including the Ionian islands as well as in the north-western mainland areas, over the last few days.
According to WMO figures, 93 mm of rain fell in Tripoli, Peloponnese region, in a 24 hour period between 11 and 12 October.
The island of Corfu has also seen heavy rain which as left several roads blocked and homes flooded.
