Albania Floods Situation Report #2

Sunday 10 January 2010

This report is based on a Situation Report issued by the Office of the Resident Coordinator in Tirana. It covers the period from 8 until 10 January 2010.

1. The number of persons evacuated from the flood-affected regions in north-west Albania has risen from 3,752 to 4,025 persons (1,010 families). The number of houses flooded (in whole or in part) stands at 2,205.

A total of 10,270 ha of farmland is flooded and 9,830 livestock are at risk. Because of serious damages to the water supply system, many in the flooded communities don't have access to drinking water. There are damages to agricultural and transport infrastructure, making the area around Shkodra only accessible by small boats.

2. Most of the evacuees are staying with relatives, and some are staying in hotels and student dormitories made available for this purpose. Temporary shelter for about 4,000 persons is still available close to the affected areas. Some refuse to be evacuated.

3. According to an Italian dam stability expert, the three hydro-power plant dams in the Drini River that held high water levels because of the snowmelt and the rains, are stable and in good condition.

4. The Government of Albania stated that another 16,000 - 20,000 persons (4,000 - 5,000 families) may still need to be evacuated. More bad weather is expected in the days ahead.