Rain stops, but water remains

SHKODRA, Dec. 15 – Two weeks after the start of the flooding in northwestern Albania, the rains have stopped, easing the situation for thousands of people living in Shkodra and the surrounding areas, but water continues to occupy a lot of land.
Though reduced to less than 10,000 hectares the flooding still keeps thousands of people away from their homes and those who have returned are now calculating the damage.
The government on Wednesday also decided to create the task force commissions that are to make the calculations of the damage and then compensate the people there.
Army and police forces continue to supply food, medicine, clothing and other items to the flooded areas in Shkodra district.
Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro who have suffered from severe flooding have activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
On Dec. 1, Albania activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, requesting wooden boats, rubber boats, tents, water pumps, helicopters and other assets. Several participating EU states responded to this request for assistance.
On Wednesday U.S. Ambassador to Albania Alexander Arvizu visited the flooded region of Shkodra and met with officials at the Government of Albania’s disaster operations center to discuss their emergency assistance operations.
He affirmed the U.S. Government’s commitment to support the Albanian people during both the emergency and long-term recovery efforts.
Last week, the U.S. Embassy donated $50,000 in emergency assistance to flood victims.
U.S. Peace Corps Volunteers working in Shkoder organized activities and distributed donated items to children of displaced families.
“We will also stay in contact with you and the government officials in Tirana as the weeks come by, to assess other needs depending on the weather situation,” said Ambassador Arvizu. “But more than anything, our thoughts and our prayers are with you. We care very much about these wonderful people and we will keep watching the situation very closely.”
Albania’s official reports estimate some 14,000 hectares and 7,200 homes are flooded or inaccessible due to high water levels. Tirana declared a state of natural disaster and has requested international assistance.