2010 Albania floods

The 2010 Albania Floods refer to several periods of major flooding in the northern regions of Albania around Shkodra, Lezhë and Durrës between December 2009 and January 2010.

On December 3, 2009, the Northwestern regions of Shkodër, Lezhë and Durrës were inundated as a result of increased rainfall and higher temperatures in Albania. Deforestation in the region is also considered a primary cause for the increased amount of groundwater in the lowlands.

On January 11, 2010, the Northwestern regions of Shkodër and Lezhë were inundated as a result of increased rainfall and higher temperatures in Albania. Flooding nearly 2,500 houses and evacuating more than 5,300 residents (as reported by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs), the flood has led to sustained damage in the nearby water supply, roads, bridges, and more than 10,500 hectares (26,000 acres) of agrarian land. Approximately 6,000 individuals in flood-infested areas refused to abandon residences and livestock, forcing the government to take action by enforcing evacuation. The Albanian government has also called for international assistance – initiating aid from organizations such as UNICEF, OCHA, and UNDP. Additional rainfall and snow continues to make water levels rise, which can be extrapolated to rise through the spring season.

As a result of this increasing rainfall, the Drin river flow has been rapidly raising which has augmented the water level in three hydroelectric power lakes as reported by the DREF operation (International Federation's Disaster Relief Emergency Fund). Authorities were forced to release water from these lakes increasing the flooding situation in the Shkodër and Lezhë areas. Some initiatives have been put into place to help this situation such as the Red Cross Society of Albania, which plans on assisting 2,200 families with necessary basic food items lasting for three months.

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