OCHA Situation Report No. 1
Albania - Floods
27 September 2002


This report is based upon information from the Albanian Government and the
office of the UN Resident Coordinator, Tirana.

1. BACKGROUND/EVENTS

During the period between September 21 and September 26, heavy rains, up
to 230 ml per m2 in less than 24 hours (2 months of average rainfall),
have resulted in flooding in 11 prefectures. Damage has been caused to
private houses and businesses, roads, bridges, pumping stations, dykes,
electrical power stations and transformers, schools, hospitals and other
important infrastructure. Over 26,000 hectares of land have been inundated
with resulting losses in agriculture. Overall losses are amounting to 17,5
million US Dollars according to Government estimates on September 25. The
worst affected areas are Lezha and Shkoder in the North-West. Gjirokaster
and Berat in the South-Western part of the country have also been heavily
affected.  All of these prefectures have at least temporarily been cut off
from electricity and water supply.

There is an immediate concern about the safety of drinking water in some
prefectures. Throughout the country several villages cannot be accessed by
road. Some rural households that are involved in semi- subsistent
agricultural production have lost winter stocks including animal feed.
While the situation is dynamic, as rains continue and damage-assessments
have not been completed, initial figures speak of 15,727 flooded private
houses. Out of these 101 are heavily damaged, i.e., no longer usable, and
3,353 have experienced medium-level damage.

9,507 people had to be at least temporarily evacuated from their homes and
45 people were rescued.  3,910 people remain in temporary shelter (mostly
with relatives) at this point in time with 2,900 in Lezhe alone. Overall
the number of people affected is estimated at 66,884 including those whose
houses have been lightly damaged. No casualties or missing person are
reported.


2. NEEDS

The Albanian Government appeals for international assistance in the form
of food items such as oil, rice, pasta, sugar and flour; and portable
beds, mattresses, bed sheets, tents, clothing, blankets and detergents. A
detailed list is available upon request from the Director of Planning and
Coordination in the Ministry of Local Government (see below).


3. NATIONAL RESPONSE

The Prime Minister initially declared a State of Natural Disaster in nine
provinces which remains active in Shkoder and Lezhe provinces today. An
emergency committee has been established at the central level comprised of
all line-ministries and led by the Prime Minister. Similar integrated
commissions have been established at prefecture and commune/municipality
levels. Military and other operational forces (number: 2450) have been
deployed to clear national roads, reinforce dykes and restore electricity
and water supply. The Albanian Red Cross has distributed 450 blankets and
1 ton of tinned food-supplies to flood victims. State Reserves have
distributed 25,000 loaves of bread to affected cities.

1 million Euros have been allocated by the Albanian parliament for works
on irrigation and drainage networks in the flood-affected areas. Private
business and the Chamber of Commerce have contributed in kind (food items)
and cash assistance.

The Government contact persons are as follows, with the operational point
of contact being listed first:

Mr. Bujar Kapllani
Ministry of Local Government and Decentralization
Tel/ Fax: (4) 233 542
E-Mail: Ercarmen@yahoo.com

Mr. Andi Nano
Ministry of Economy
Tel: (4) 240 363 / 340 362
Fax: (4) 228 362
E-Mail: anminek@yahoo.com


4. INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE

A request for international assistance has been made by the Government.
The Greek Government has delivered 80 tents, 500 blankets, which have been
immediately distributed in Shkoder prefecture.

The Italian KFOR contingent has brought in a consignment of 10 trucks
containing 2.471 blankets, 340 mattresses, 102 beds and 5 tons of food
items.

The Italian Government has pledged to support the rehabilitation of the
Electricity Network KESH with 1.5 - 2 million Euro.

The Turkish Government is supplying 50 tents, 1,480 blankets, 34 boxes of
food items for 100 families. The Swiss Government is supporting the
rehabilitation of infrastructure, schools, health centers in the
prefectures of Lezha and Shkodra.

The Czech Republic has pledged 30,000 USD fund for affected people.


For coordination purposes, donors are requested to inform OCHA Geneva, as
indicated below, on relief missions/pledges/contributions and their
corresponding values by item.

OCHA is in close contact with the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in
Albania and will revert with further information, as it becomes available.

This situation report, together with further information on ongoing
emergencies, is also available on the OCHA Internet Website at
http://www.reliefweb.int



Telephone: +41-22-91712 34
Fax: +41-22-917 00 23
E-mail: ochagva@un.org

In case of emergency only: Tel. +41-22-917 20 10

Desk Officers:
  Mr. Stephen Tull, Mr. Dusan Zupka
  Direct Tel. +41-22-917-3168

Press contact:
  (GVA)  Ms. Elizabeth Byrs, direct Tel. +41-22-917 2653
  (NYC)  Brian Grogan direct Tel. +1-212-963-1143


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