Fatal storm in Albania caused the first victim and chaos in south of country

The heavy rainfall in two last days has resulted in flooding in many regions of Albania. In south of country the rainfall overnight has caused chaos to Albania’s transportation system with numerous roads blocked and all flights in and out of the country stopped likewise ferries from operating. Bad weather has caused considerable damage in some national roads, many road segments have been blocked and many institutions have been closed. The torrential rains continues to make situation very difficult for Albania, which continue to flooding businesses and homes, while many people have need to evacuated. Vlora and Fier Emergency authorities are cooperating as the Vjosa River has flooded lands along its bed. People are expected to be evacuated from Novosela, Fotore, Bishan, etc. According to the Ministry of Interior, at least 100 people were evacuated during the night in shopping mall City Park, in Tirana. In the area of Shkodra 200 people were evacuated. In Fushë-Kruja, 14 families were evacuated because of floods caused by the river Zeza, while in Derven floods of the river Ishëm caused the evacuation of 4 other families. The river Vjosa is expected to overflow its banks due to heavy rain feeding the Seman and Shkumbin rivers, putting Vlora and Fier at risk of flooding. The highway from Tirana to Durrës was blocked because of floods, while several other main arteries were blocked as well. Meanwhile, the road to Rinas International Airport has been flooded, causing many problems in the circulation of vehicles along this road segment. Meanwhile, the ports of Vlora, Durres and Saranda have also suspended all sailing due to the bad weather. The bridge that connects Mamurras with Thumana and Fushe Kruja has been destroyed. There have been problems n Fushe Kruja as well, but vehicles now can circulate. An electrician from Albania’s state-owned energy company OSHEE, Erion Hafizi, 35 has died and three others have been wounded while trying to reinstall power to parts of Albania after severe storms overnight left around 71,000 families without electricity and hundreds having to be evacuated. The heavy rainfall has also caused considerable blackouts in the electricity supply and water throughout the country. The Albanian Minister of Defence, Olta Xhaçka has declared that Armed Forces are interveneing at any time, in any case. However, the situation is still risky. Albania continues to be in a state of emergency. The Committee for the Coordination of Civil Emergencies and Crises has called on people to show extra care during this situation. The Ministry of Interior appeals citizens to avoid unnecessary travels. Heavy rainfall is expected to continue into the weekend. There has been heavy rainfall and constant in other countrys in Balkan area as in Macedonia, Greece and Kosovo, but the situation in Albania is far more critical and alarming.