damage assessment – Albanian Telegraphic Agency.

Justice Minister: Government begins assessing wildfire damage across Albania

Urim Shera — Sun, 06 Sep 2026 08:06:42 +0000

TIRANA, Sept. 6 /ATA/ – The government has begun assessing the damage caused by wildfires that have affected several parts of Albania after days of difficult conditions for local communities, Justice Minister Toni Gogu said on Sunday.

The damage assessment and documentation process has started in the affected areas, Gogu said in a social media post, while praising emergency crews and other personnel who worked to contain the fires.

“From Himara and Fier to Tirana, Shkodra, Mat, Lezhë and other parts of the country, these have been difficult days for many communities and long days for the people on the front lines of the fires,” Gogu said.

He expressed his gratitude to firefighters, the Armed Forces and all other teams involved in the response.

“Gratitude to the firefighters, the Armed Forces and everyone on the ground who faced the flames without interruption to protect lives, homes and communities,” Gogu said.

“In these days, the work of the people on the ground speaks louder than any words,” he added.

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PM Rama: Vjosa river levels fall, damage assessment begins

Urim Shera — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 07:53:32 +0000

TIRANA, Jan 9 /ATA/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Friday that water levels in the Vjosa river had fallen sharply, as authorities began assessing damage after flooding hit surrounding areas in southern Albania.

The flooding, triggered by heavy rainfall this week, affected communities along the river a day earlier, prompting emergency responses.

“Damage assessments have begun across the affected areas, while relevant agencies remain on standby to assist residents with any needs or emergencies,” PM Rama said.

The government head has called a meeting of the Interministerial Committee for Civil Emergencies to address flooding across the country, with cabinet members responsible for managing the situation expected to attend.

Albania has been hit by several days of heavy rain, causing disruptions in multiple regions. The worst-affected counties include Shkodra, Lezha, Durres, Fier and Vlora.

On Wednesday, the Ministry of Defence ordered the evacuation of several villages in the districts of Durres, Fier and Vlora.

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Vlora Mayor: Flood situation improving, work underway to assess damages

Urim Shera — Sat, 05 Oct 2024 12:44:05 +0000

TIRANA, Oct 5 /ATA/ – Several roads and neighbourhoods in the coastal city of Vlora in southern Albania found itself submerged under floodwaters on Saturday morning after relentless heavy rainfall that swept the region and whole territory of the country on Friday and last night.

In a press statement, Vlora Mayor Ermal Dredha blamed the unprecedented volume of rainfall for the floods and the situation in the city.

He said that around 180 mm of rain fell in two hours and a half only, equal to the amount of precipitation that the city would experience over one month.

According to him, local emergency crews have evacuated 55 people to safety, while situation is gradually improving and normalizing.

“Work is currently underway to assess the damage. As many as 55 people were evacuated and plans are being examined to provide financial compensation for the affected families,” Vlora Mayor said.

By late last night, emergency teams had convened to tackle the crisis, with Mayor Ermal Dredha joining the Civil Emergencies Unit to assess the damage. Discussions focused on identifying areas most affected by the flood, ensuring the continued operation of pumping stations, and coordinating efforts to clear clogged drainage systems.

As clean-up operations get underway, local authorities are urging residents to remain cautious, particularly in areas where the floodwaters have yet to fully recede.

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