Western Balkans Affected by Rains, Albanian City under Water

Residents are helped by a army truck and a boat to pass along a flooded street in Shkoder. EPA/BGNES

Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro, just like Western Bulgaria, have been affected by torrential rains, causing floods.

The situation is especially bad in the northern Albanian city of Shkoder where 9000 people were evacuated, and some 8000 homes were flooded, BGNES reported.

14 000 hectares of agricultural land are also under water, with the floods isolating dozens of villages in the region.

The Albanian authorities have sent 1500 additional police officers and military personnel to help evacuate people.

In some parts of the city the level of the water has reached 2 meters, and people have resorted to using boats.

Albanian President Bamir Topi visited the city stating the situation is especially bad. He announced he had requested help from other NATO member states.

He also held a phone conversation with Turkish President Abdullah Gul, who promised help.

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