NATO Allies and partners help Albania cope with flood disaster
NATO Allies and partners began this week helping Albania cope with the most severe rainfalls ever recorded in the country. Albania requested assistance from the NATO’s Euro Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC) on 4 December, following the onset of heavy rainfalls in central and southern parts of the country. According to the Albanian authorities, the floods damaged more than 4,500 buildings, 36 power stations and dozens of roads. The floods also led to the temporary closure of Tirana’s main airport and to evacuations.
NATO Allies and partner countries responded immediately to Albania’s request this week. Bulgaria, France, Montenegro, Slovenia and Slovakia well as Austria offered assistance, including water rescue equipment, power generators and temporary shelter.
Other NATO Allies and partners are considering providing additional assistance in the coming days.
The Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC) is NATO’s main civil emergency response mechanism, and functions as a clearing-house system for coordinating disaster relief assistance.