Brussels, 11/02/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 10 February, the European Commission announced that European solidarity is at work - through the EU civil protection mechanism - to help Albania tackle the severe floods that have been devastating the country for days.
The EU civil protection mechanism was activated in response to a request from the Albanian authorities to the European Commission for help. Several European countries, including Austria and Slovakia, immediately offered material support - tents, blankets, generators and water pumps. This emergency material will be channelled to the disaster-stricken areas without delay.
The Commission's Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC), which is responsible for coordinating the channelling of the aid, is following the situation closely. It is in close contact with the Albanian authorities, as well as with the 31 countries participating in the EU civil protection mechanism (the 28 EU member states, plus FYROM, Iceland and Norway). Other countries may also propose aid.
The torrential rain at the origin of the floods has caused considerable damage to housing and infrastructure. According to the Albanian authorities, over 1,000 households have been affected by the destruction and over 600 families have had to be evacuated. (Aminata Niang)