Heavy rains cause serious flooding, damages in Albania

Bad weather conditions that affected Albania in the past two days caused flooding, landslides in many areas across the country, and more that 200 people were evacuated from their houses, local media reported on Thursday.

The Albanian Ministry of Defense sent troops to work together with the emergency services, central and local government experts to help residents in the flooded areas.

The Ministry said Thursday that troops aided the rescue operation in the area of Katundi i ri, region of Durres city, evacuating at least 185 people stranded by floods, while an air force helicopter flew on a search and rescue operation in the area. Many cattle died because of the increased water level.

Moreover, Special Forces troops and joint support command personnel continue to assist in evacuating stranded residents in the worst hit flood areas, as well as in flood relief efforts to distribute food, water, blanket and other materials to local residents.

According to the Ministry, 50 troops were sent on Thursday to the district of Lushnja.

Albanian Chief of Emergency Shemsi Prenci declared that "We are offering aid with food and clothes. The Interior Ministry is ready to shelter families whose houses were flooded."

Meanwhile Albanian Minister of Social Welfare Blendi Klosi, while visiting the Durres area, said "The situation has been dramatic during the night, but thanks to 200 police officers, the army and emergency teams, the situation is better now. Eight motorboats helped residents to evacuate."

Another area hit by heavy rains is Elbasan region, in central Albania, where agricultural terrains and homes were endangered. Residents admit they are part of the problem, since they deposit waste materials in the sewerage canal. Endit