PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) — Albania is grappling with severe flooding following days of relentless rainfall, which has claimed at least one life and left numerous communities isolated. Police confirmed on Saturday that a 76-year-old woman was found dead in the southeastern municipality of Devoll after floodwaters receded. Her son had reported her missing, and a search operation by soldiers on Friday proved unsuccessful. Authorities suspect she was swept away by powerful currents. The heavy rains caused the Vjosa and Seman rivers to overflow, inundating vast stretches of agricultural land. The Vjosa flows through southern Albania, while the Seman traverses the low-lying Myzeqeja plain. In the northwestern Lezha region, approximately 220 hectares (544 acres) of land remain submerged, according to the Civil Protection Agency. Distressing footage shared online depicted flooded homes and farmland, with farmers reporting significant crop losses. Defense Minister Pirro Vengu visited the southern Sarande District on Saturday to evaluate the damage firsthand. With more rain predicted in the coming days, fears are mounting that conditions could deteriorate further. Civil Emergency Teams remain on high alert to respond to potential crises.
One dead after days of torrential rain brings flooding across large swaths of Albania
