Albania has been ravaged by bad weather over the last week, resulting in significant flooding and snowfall of up to a metre in the north leading to the mobilisation of some military forces to assist citizens.
After seven days of heavy rain, compounded by plunging temperatures, authorities reported that over 1,300 hectares are underwater in Shkoder County, two hours north of the capital of Tirana. A further 770 hectares are underwater in Lezhe, with 200 in Gjonem, 180 in Balldren, and 150 in Zejmen.
Lake Shkodra, which straddles the border between Albania and Montenegro, is currently at the height of 8.45 metres, while its maximum is 8.70. As for flooded land, the total reached some 1,220 hectares on Sunday, 100 more than on Saturday.
Local municipalities reported that some roads were under 65 centimetres of water and the Drin Driver had reached 6.10 metres total out of a maximum of 7.5 metres.
Due to the heavy rain, various arterial roads, hectares of agricultural land, and the Oblika 1 aqueduct are completely impassable. The situation has also caused problems with electricity, and outages have been reported in Durres and Elbasan in central Albania, Vlora in the south, and Shkoder.
Snowfall has also added to the seriousness of the issue, and avalanches have been reported on roads in the north, particularly the Qafre Thore-Theth route, where the snow has reached over one metre.
“Show extra care when driving in rainy weather, equip yourself with winter tires and chains when travelling to mountainous areas, reduce speed, respect the traffic signs and instructions of the Traffic Police” the roads authorities warned motorists over the weekend.
The Ministry of Defence warned that temperatures are set to plunge further to -3 while the situation should improve by Tuesday. In an announcement, they stated that 50 military forces had been mobilised along with seven high-mobility vehicles. In addition, 700 food packages, 900 blankets and 10 tents were distributed to those in need.
“The National Agency of Civil Protection will continue the monitoring, coordination and engagement to ensure the timely response and the necessary support for the local government,” the announcement added.
After a group of tourists got stranded due to bad weather in Tomorr near Berat, the ministry cautioned others from attempting touristic excursions when there is snowfall and heavy rain.
“Avoid trips for tourist purposes in areas where there is a presence of snow, avoid crossing the roads with the presence of water, respect the traffic rules, drive with winter tires and chains according to the recommendations of the road traffic structures and notify the local and operational structures in any case of need,” the announcement concluded.
(Alice Taylor | Exit.al)
Source: euractiv.com
