SHKODRA, DECEMBER 15, 2010     Today, the U.S. Ambassador to Albania, Alexander Arvizu, visited the flooded region of Shkodra and met with officials at the Government of Albania’s disaster operations center to discuss their emergency assistance operations.  In his remarks to the media, the Ambassador affirmed the U.S. Government’s commitment to support the Albanian people during both the emergency and long-term recovery efforts.

The Ambassador also met with the Prefect of Shkodra, Maxhid Cungu, the Mayor of Shkodra, Lorenc Luka, the President of the Albanian Red Cross, Dr. Shyqyri Subashi, and civil and military disaster units to discuss relief efforts. 

Last week, United States Embassy donated $50,000 in emergency assistance to flood victims.  The funds are being disbursed through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)'s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance to the Albanian Red Cross for the purchase and distribution of blankets, hygiene kits, and other emergency relief supplies. 

In addition, US Peace Corps Volunteers working in Shkoder organized activities and distributed donated items to children of displaced families.  They have also worked together with the Directorate of Public Health to provide information to citizens about hygiene issues caused by the flooding.  

In November, Albania experienced heavy rains causing severe flooding in the Shkoder and Lezha regions of northern Albania.  In several areas, roads, bridges, water supply, power supply and agricultural infrastructure have sustained extensive damage.  The Government of Albania’s official reports estimate some 14,000 hectares and 7,200 homes are flooded or inaccessible due to high water levels.  The Government of Albania declared a state civil emergency (natural disaster), and has requested international assistance. 

“We will also stay in contact with you and the government officials in Tirana as the weeks go by, to assess other needs depending on the weather situation,” said Ambassador Arvizu. “But more than anything, our thoughts and our prayers are with you.  We care very much about these wonderful people and we will keep watching the situation very closely.”