Speaking at a meeting of the Interministerial Committee for Civil Emergencies, Rama addressed opposition criticism while highlighting government investments in water infrastructure in recent years.

“Political opponents hope that every natural event will make up for their imcompetence,” Rama said. “They have talked extensively about the state of the hydro-pumping stations, which have in fact been operating continuously, releasing significant volumes of water and preventing far more serious consequences from the recent rainfall.”

The government head added that controlled discharges from the Vau i Dejës hydroelectric plant had prevented the Buna river from reaching critical levels, thereby avoiding the river overflowing and massive flooding in the Lower Shkodra area.

/a.f/u.sh/

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.

/m.q/u.sh/