TIRANA, Jan 7 /ATA/ – Interior Minister Albana Koçiu said on Wednesday that two pumping stations in the coastal city of Durrës were operating at full capacity, helping authorities manage the impact of heavy rainfall and avert more serious flooding.
Koçiu, who inspected the newly built Porto Romano pumping station alongside Durrës Mayor Emiriana Sako, said the parallel operation of the new facility and the existing station had been decisive in preventing a worsening of the situation.
“All institutions are on the ground and fully mobilised,” Koçiu said, adding that the next 12 hours remained critical. “Our priority is managing the situation and ensuring the safety of citizens.”
She said initial damage assessments had already begun in some areas and urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and follow guidance from local authorities.
Mayor Sako said the city’s critical infrastructure was functioning without interruption. The new pumping station, financed by the government, has been operating at full capacity for about 48 hours, with all pumps active, while the older facility remains operational with six pumps and backup power supply, she said.
She added that authorities were also coordinating with officials overseeing a third pumping station in Hamallaj, managed by the Ministry of Agriculture, after flooding affected parts of nearby Sukth and several families.
Sako said the situation remained under control and monitoring would continue until conditions in the city returned to normal.
Authorities said emergency services remain on full alert to respond to any further developments.
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