Albania: Whole villages in North flooded

08. January 2010.

The Albanian Government could declare a state of emergency as early as this afternoon in the north-west of the country, where entire villages are now flooded, said President Sali Berisha.

The Albanian Government could declare a state of emergency as early as this afternoon in the north-west of the country, where entire villages are now flooded, said President Sali Berisha.

Around 5,000 hectares have been flooded due to the bursting of the banks of the river Drini, where three major water power stations are sited, and whose reservoirs have been left permanently open so as not to put their dams at risk.

The situation is unfortunately not improving explained the Premier today, repeating his appeal to the population in the area at risk to abandon their homes.

More than 600 families have already been moved to the city and if the water level rises further, around 9 thousand people will have to be evacuated. "We are now thinking only about saving people and not losing a single citizen" declared Berisha.

The army and police forces have been working in the flooded areas for several days, and helicopters patrolled the skies today so as to be able to carry out any emergency rescues necessary.