Intense Rainfall Nationwide as Emergency Structures Maintain Full Control

The recent heavy rainfall has caused localized problems in several areas of the country. However, central and local authorities report that the situation is under control. Essential services, such as road circulation, electricity supply, drinking water, healthcare services, ports, and the airport, are functioning normally. Authorities are intervening continuously wherever difficulties arise.
According to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy, teams from the Albanian Road Authority (ARRSH), the electricity distribution operator (OSSH), the Water Supply and Sewerage Agency (AKUK), and local water supply operators have been clearing road segments, managing water flows, and repairing damage to the network throughout the night. All national roads remain passable except for the Kranë–Muzinë segment, which is blocked by the Bistrica River’s overflow. Work is underway to restore access there. Landslides, rockfalls, and debris deposits have been recorded in several mountainous areas, including the Bajram Curri–Valbonë, Dushaj–Lekbibaj, Bajram Curri–Fierzë, Kukës–Krumë, Kukës–Shishtavec, Skuraj–Burrel, Koplik–Bogë, Dedaj–Razëm, Bogë–Theth, Koplik–Reç, Hani i Hotit–Vermosh, Librazhd–Qafë Thanë, Qukës–Qafë Plloçë, Elbasan–Peqin, Kakome–Himarë, Gjirokastër–Kakavijë, Himarë–Qafë Gjashtë, Shijan–Ura e Gajdarit, and Shijan–Delvinë segments. These segments are under continuous monitoring, and most are passable while specialized machinery operates in the most affected areas.
The electricity supply remains stable. There were some temporary outages on several distribution lines, primarily in rural and mountainous areas, but most of the damage has been repaired. OSSH and OST repair teams are on full alert. They are working to restore electricity to the villages of Skuraj, Vinjollë, and Gallatë (Lezhë); Topojan, Shishtavec, Zapod, Bytyç, and Lekbibaj (Kukës); Hajmel, Vig-Mnelë, Iballë, and Qafë-Mali (Shkodër); as well as the Maricaj area (Gjirokastër). In the Drin cascade and the Fierzë, Koman, and Vau i Dejës reservoirs, increased rainfall has raised water levels, which are under constant monitoring. Discharges are being managed normally.
The drinking water supply is operating normally. All pumping stations are operational, and there have been no interruptions. Gravity-fed sources affected by turbidity from rainfall are being treated according to hygiene protocols until optimal consumption conditions are ensured. Wastewater treatment plants and sewer networks are operating at full capacity to handle the increased flow resulting from the rainfall. Approximately 40 work groups are deployed across the country for on-site inspections and to make immediate interventions where needed.
There are no service disruptions in maritime and air transport. At the Port of Durrës, operations are normal. Ferries are arriving and departing on schedule, and the terminals are fully operational. The Port of Saranda reports calm conditions, and ferries to Corfu are departing on time. At “Mother Teresa” International Airport, operations are taking place without delays or interruptions.
According to the Ministry of Defense and the National Civil Protection Agency, local structures and operational teams worked through the night to restore normalcy, ensure road accessibility, and restore electricity. In Lezhë, work is ongoing in the villages of Gjorm, Zhejë, and Fushë-Mamurras, on the Skuraj–Gallatë road segment, and in the Kaçinar area. The bridge in the village of Shpërdhezë was damaged in this area. In Durrës, the situation in Sukth, Katund i Ri, and Ishëm is improving, with waters receding and the Porto Romano and Hamallaj pumping stations operating at full capacity. In Kukës, all national roads are passable. In Shkodër, the Theth–Ndërlysaj segment has been cleared, and work continues on the Ndërlysaj–Breg-Lumi segment. In Gjirokastër, the Sofratikë–Libohovë road has returned to normal, though high water levels are still being monitored on the Gjirokastër–Tepelenë segment, at the Kardhiq Bridge, and at the roundabout near the river bridge inside the city. In Elbasan, crews are clearing debris along the Elbasan–Peqin (“Murraç”) and Elbasan–Librazhd segments. In Korçë, the situation in the village of Sanjollas has normalized after crews cleared blocked culverts and removed debris, eliminating the risk to residential homes.
The healthcare system is fully prepared. The Health Care Services Operator is monitoring the situation 24/7 in cooperation with local units and civil defense. Hospitals report that critical supplies are secure and services are operating normally, even in areas experiencing heavy rainfall, including Kurbin, Mat, Lezhë, Shkodër, Malësi e Madhe, Tropojë, Kukës, and Has. OSHKSH is in continuous communication for any emergency requiring immediate intervention.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development reports that intense rainfall in the western lowlands has raised water levels in rivers and drainage channels. In Mamurras, increased Droje River flow and embankment damage caused flooding in Thumanë and Dukagjin farmland and residential areas. The Durrës Irrigation and Drainage Directorate has deployed heavy machinery near the damaged section; however, intervention remains difficult due to the high water levels. In Lezhë, the situation in Zadrima, Zejmen, and the relevant pumping stations remains stable despite elevated water levels in drainage channels. The situation in Durrës district is most complex in Hamallaj, where water levels have dropped by about 50 cm, and in the “Tone” high-water drainage channel. Rising levels have been recorded in the Shkumbin, Seman, Vjosa, Shushicë, Drinos, Pavlla, and Bistrica rivers. However, flows remain within their riverbeds except for the Kalasa River, which overflowed near the Gajardi Bridge. This temporarily blocked the Sarandë–Delvinë road segment. All pumping stations from Shkodra to Saranda are operating at full capacity to maximize water discharge and ensure stable management of the situation.
The Ministries of Defense, Infrastructure and Energy, Health and Social Protection, and Agriculture and Rural Development, as well as all public operators, remain on full alert and in continuous communication with local authorities and emergency teams. Citizens are urged to follow official announcements and avoid unnecessary movement in high-risk areas. Responsible institutions will continue to monitor the situation and take necessary action to ensure uninterrupted essential services and the protection of life and property.