2009–10 Albanian floods

[1] 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.

Approximately 6,000 individuals in flood-infested areas refused to abandon residences and livestock, forcing the government to take action by enforcing evacuation.

[3] 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).

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.

The affected areas are parts of North western Albania with one primary hit zone being Shkodër, 120 kilometres (75 mi) away from the capital Tirana – located right beneath the three hydroelectric power lakes of Fierzë, Koman and Vau i Dejës.

Organizations outside of the state such as the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the UN Development Program (UNDP) have supported affected families with grants for food and other basic needs.

Albanian army rescuers and villagers pass by a convoy of trucks pushed to the side of the road by flood water on the outskirts of Bahcallek, near the city of Shkodra, Sunday, January 10, 2010.
Albanian army rescuers and villagers pass by a convoy of trucks pushed to the side of the road by flood water on the outskirts of Bahcallek, near the city of Shkodra, Sunday, January 10, 2010. [ citation needed ]