2026 Albanian floods
| Date | 6 January 2026– 12 January 2026[1] |
|---|---|
| Location | Nationwide, especially in Durrës, Lezhë, Fier, Vlorë, Shkodër, Gjirokastër and Korçë counties |
| Deaths | 1 |
Several days of major flooding affected the central and western regions of Albania around Durrës, Vlorë, Fier, and Lezhë in January 2026.[2]
Overview
Heavy rainfall that began on 6 January led to flooding across several towns and villages, causing widespread disruption.[3] Due to the situation that was created, schools were closed in Durrës and Lezhë for the time being. [4]
By 8 January, flooding had expanded across several regions following earlier warnings issued by the Institute of Geosciences. The Institute had publicly reported the likelihood of intense rainfall and high river flows in the Drin-Buna, Mat, Shkumbin, and Vjosa basins. Opposition parties and affected communities criticized the government for what they described as a slow and inadequate response,[5] with opposition politicians calling for the declaration of a state of emergency.[6] The government responded to the situation by deploying 502 soldiers and 80 vehicles [7]The floods also caused significant damage to key highways across the country.[8]
On 8 January, a 54-year-old man was found dead after being swept away in Durrës, as swollen rivers prompted evacuations in several regions. Authorities reported hundreds of evacuations in Durrës and Novosela, along with landslides and blocked roads in multiple parts of the country.[9]
On 10 January, the embankment of the Devoll river cracked, leaving around 1800 families without electricity, and affecting the municipalities of Korçë, Devoll, Maliq and Pogradec.[10]
Aftermath
Prosecutors in Durrës started an investigation into suspected abuse of office and negligence after flooding caused widespread disruption, damage to property, and risk to the safety of the affected areas. The probe aims to examine whether the damage was solely due to natural factors or to failures by state or local authorities.[11]
See also
References
- ^ "Përmbytjet/ Uji tërhiqet nga tokat, fermerët: Iku mundi i jetës! Në Durrës 543 të evakuuar! Protestë në Dimal e Maliq". 12 January 2026.
- ^ "One dead in floods in Albania as rain and snow grip Balkans". Reuters. Retrieved 8 January 2026.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Sinoruka, Fjori (7 January 2026). "Heavy Rains Cause Evacuations and Discontent in Albania". Balkan Insight. Retrieved 9 January 2026.
- ^ "Flood situation/ Teaching suspended in several schools in Durrës and Lezha". 6 January 2026.
- ^ "Albania under the power of water: 1 dead in Durrës, situation worsens throughout the country". Pamfleti. 8 January 2026. Retrieved 9 January 2026.
- ^ ""Rama tenton t'i shpëtojë dëmshpërblimit, por.. "/ Përmbytjet, Berisha: Të shpallet gjendja e jashtëzakonshme". 7 January 2026.
- ^ "Ministri Vengu: Në gatishmëri që në 3 janar. Të angazhuara 502 efektivë të Forcave të Armatosura në terren, akset nacionale janë të kalueshme". 9 January 2026.
- ^ "FOTOLAJM/ Shqipëria 'nën ujë', përmbytjet nëpërmjet fotove, çfarë ka mbetur nga katastrofa që goditi vendin". 10 January 2026.
- ^ "Albanian floods turn deadly as downpours force more evacuations". Yahoo News. 8 January 2026. Retrieved 9 January 2026.
- ^ "Rreth 1800 familje pa energji në Korçë, rrugë të dëmtuara dhe argjinatura të çara nga shirat". 10 January 2026.
- ^ "Prosecutors open probe into Durrës floods". Albanian Telegraphic Agency. Retrieved 8 January 2026.
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