Heavy Rains Trigger Flooding and Landslides Across Albania

Heavy rainfall in recent hours has caused widespread flooding, landslides and traffic disruptions across several regions of Albania, with the Defense Ministry reporting the most critical situations in Shkoder, Durres, Lezhe, Diber, Gjirokaster and Berat.

In Shkoder, rising levels of the Drin, Kir and Buna rivers have led to flooding in the Ana e Mali and Dajç administrative units. Municipal and civil emergency teams are monitoring the situation continuously, identifying high-risk areas and taking precautionary measures to protect lives and property. Pumping stations are operating at full capacity, and water levels remain below critical thresholds.

In Durres, authorities have verified 5,477 homes, with 1,711 reported damaged. A total of 851 residents, mainly from Sukth and Katund i Ri, have been evacuated, and roughly 2,000 hectares of agricultural land are under water. Work continues to assess and address the damage.

In Lezhe, water levels in agricultural areas have generally decreased, though emergency teams are still removing water from affected homes. Pumping stations are fully operational, except in Gocaj, where power outages have been reported. River levels in the Drin are decreasing, while the Mat River has risen due to releases from hydroelectric plants at Shkopet and Qafë Mollë. Road networks in the area remain unaffected.

In Gjirokaster and Diber, authorities are clearing landslides and removing water from buildings, while in Berat and Elbasan, rising flows of the Osum and Devoll rivers have caused flooding of farmland.

Armed Forces personnel, under the coordination of the National Agency for Civil Protection and the Defense Ministry, are assisting residents, distributing aid and supporting emergency operations as needed. Authorities continue to monitor conditions closely and call on citizens to cooperate to ensure safety during adverse weather.