A “HIGH” risk hits Lezha, Durrës, Tirana, Elbasan, and Fier. A “MODERATE” risk affects Shkodra, Kukës, Dibra, Berat, Vlora, Gjirokastra and Korça.

Peak danger arrives tomorrow, with localized severe spots in parts of Shkodra, Kukës, Dibra, Korça and Berat.

Light rain will fall this afternoon in Korça, Vlora and Gjirokastra. The rest of the country stays dry today and tomorrow. Temperatures will reach a high of 39°C in the lowlands. Winds will be light to moderate, but strong near the coast and mountains.

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The National Veterinary and Plant Protection Authority said that African swine fever is a contagious viral disease for pigs that does not harm humans, requiring farmers and hunters to report suspected cases, follow strict farm safety rules, and stop illegal animal movement to protect local livestock.

The National Veterinary and Plant Protection Authority reported zero cases of African Swine Fever nationwide. /e.xh/j.p/p.s./

The demonstration is expected to begin at 07:00 p.m. along “Martyrs of the Nation” boulevard, between Skanderbeg Square and Mother Teresa Square, near the Prime Minister’s Office.

In its notice, the Embassy warned that the protest could expand into surrounding areas and may lead to increased police presence, road closures and traffic disruptions before and during the gathering.

The Embassy said its personnel had been instructed to avoid the protest area and advised U.S. citizens not to participate in the event while exercising increased caution when moving around the capital.

Citizens were also encouraged to avoid protest zones, monitor local media for updates, remain aware of their surroundings and prepare alternative travel routes if needed.

“Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate quickly,” the Embassy said in its statement.

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In a demonstration alert, the Embassy said an increased presence of Albanian police is expected, along with road closures and temporary traffic disruptions in different parts of the capital’s city center.

The Embassy underlines that Albanian State Police have advised that the protestors might block intersections in different parts of the city center.

U.S. citizens were advised to avoid the protest area, monitor local media, and follow instructions from local authorities for the latest updates.

The Embassy noted while protests and large gatherings often begin peacefully, situations can change quickly.  The protest may expand to nearby blocks and government buildings, potentially causing traffic disruptions, detours, and road closures.

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Meeting at the National Civil Protection Agency, officials reviewed conditions in the areas most affected by flooding, landslides and infrastructure disruptions.

Authorities reported on emergency response measures taken so far and identified additional support needs.

Defense Minister called for continuous coordination between central and local authorities and round-the-clock monitoring to ensure public safety and limit damage.

Heavy rain has affected most of Albania in the past 24 hours, causing localized problems in several counties but no serious threat to life.

The situation is being closely monitored in the northwestern region of Lezhë and the central coastal municipality of Durrës, where water has flooded some roads and river levels have risen sharply.

The Institute of GeoSciences forecast heavy rainfall to continue until January 8.

Civil protection units at both central and local levels remain on full alert under the coordination of the National Civil Protection Agency.

Residents were advised to avoid high-risk areas and to seek assistance from authorities if needed.

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“A demonstration is scheduled to take place on Monday, October 7.  Protestors are planning to gather at the Prime Minister’s Office at 6:00pm.  Enhanced police presence, road closures, and traffic disruptions are expected.  Albanian State Police have advised that the protestors might block intersections in different parts of the city of Tirana.  U.S. Embassy personnel have been advised to avoid the demonstration,” the U.S. Embassy said in a statement.

The U.S. Embassy in Tirana also called on the American citizens to monitor local media and follow instructions of local law enforcement authorities for the latest information.

Albania’s opposition will hold a large protest today. The demonstration, starting at 6 p.m., is expected to draw thousands, with organizers warning that key roads in the capital will be blocked.

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According to a demonstration alert issued by the U.S. Embassy, “while many large public events may proceed peacefully, some situations can change quickly and unpredictably, and participants can migrate to other parts of the city.”

“A protest has been scheduled to take place in front of the Prime Minister’s Office on Martyrs of Nation (Deshmoret e Kombit) boulevard on Saturday, March 19, 2022, beginning at 11:00 a.m.  These protests have the potential to spread to surrounding streets causing traffic congestion, detours, and road closures.  In addition to this scheduled protest there have been several unscheduled and unannounced protests throughout Tirana and the rest of the country.  These protests often occur near public gathering spaces and/or government buildings and may occur at any time of day,” the Embassy said.

“U.S. citizens are advised to avoid any large gatherings in the city.  While many large public events may proceed peacefully, some situations can change quickly and unpredictably, and participants can migrate to other parts of the city. Monitor local media for the latest information and follow instructions of local law enforcement authorities,” the Embassy said.

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Minister of Defense Niko Peleshi said that, “The National Agency of Civil Protection is on alert and in constant contact with all the local units.”

Meteorologists report that in the coming days temperatures in Albania may drop to -18 degrees Celsius in areas such as Bulqiza or Puka, while the thermometer in Tirana is expected to drop to -8 degrees Celsius, close to zero in coastal areas such as Durres, while in Vlora temperatures are expected up to -1 degrees Celsius. The peak of low temperatures is expected to be on Monday./k.s//a.a/p.s./

The minister made the statement while visiting Trauma Hospital.

There will also be doctors on call in case of great influx of patients.

The minister appealed to the citizens to be more careful during the night of the New Year.

She reiterated the recommendation of the Committee of Experts for celebration in small family under the conditions of the pandemic.

The bars and restaurants will have to respect the protocol approved.

Meanwhile, the medical helicopter unit has taken measures to ensure the available helicopters./k.s/p.s./