TIRANA: Serious flooding triggered by heavy rainfall swept across several regions of Albania, with the western lowlands bearing the brunt of the disaster.
The city of Vlora was among the hardest-hit areas, where at least 55 residents were evacuated, Xinhua news agency reported on Saturday, citing local media reports.
To prevent further hazards as streets became submerged, the local power company cut electricity in affected areas, which in turn hampered efforts by residents to pump water out of their homes.
Other major cities, including Tirana, Durres, Fier, and Lezhe, were also impacted by the torrential downpours and resulting floods.
While the Meteorological Department under the Ministry of Defense indicated that no further heavy rains are expected in the coming days, officials stressed they would continue to closely monitor the evolving situation.