Tirana asks for help from EU

TIRANA, Jan. 10 – Albania has requested the activation of a European civil assistance program to deal with flooding from heavy rains and melting snow, authorities said.
The European Civil Protections Mechanism, which pools the civil assistance capacities of member states, was activated last week, the commission said.
Albania has requested boats and helicopters for evacuations, along with water pumps, power generators, food and medicines for those in evacuation centers.
A team of civil protection and flood assessment experts was expected to arrive in Albania, the commission said.
European countries have sent emergency aid to northwestern Albania suffering from a widespread flooding following Tirana’s request to the European Union and the NATO.
Some 10,000 hectares and 2,500 houses have been flooded from the water discharge from three hydro power stations at the Drini River, producing the bulk of Albania’s energy needs, after reaching their top levels following heavy rainfall.
About 5,000 people have been evacuated from northwestern Shkodra district, 120 kilometers north of capital Tirana.
EU countries and Moldova have sent boats and helicopters, water pumps, power generators, clothes, tents, food and medicine.
Meteorologists predict that the situation will worsen in this region of Albania over the next several days, with more rain expected.