Informing humanitarians worldwide 24/7 — a service provided by UN OCHA

Albania

Victims of flooding in Albania receive EU support

Albania experienced extreme and intense rainfall in December, causing many rivers to burst their banks and triggering floods in the southern regions of the country. Overflowing rivers have damaged road infrastructure and properties. As a result, 21 000 people are in need of assistance and 8000 people are particularly affected in the south of the country.

Several European countries provided assistance via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism; countries provided water pumps and hoses, life vests, power generators, raincoats and water boots, blankets and clean-up kits. The delivery of these items was coordinated via the EU's Civil Protection Mechanism and in close cooperation with the Albanian authorities.

The first aid to Albania through the Emergency Response Coordination Centre came from Greece, Slovenia, Austria, France, and Slovakia. In addition, the European Commission announced emergency assistance of €190 000 in response to serious floods. The funding is part of the EU’s overall contribution to the Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

During a ceremony held on Friday 15 December in the capital Tirana, Albania expressed gratitude to the EU countries which expressed solidarity and sent aid.