RESPONDING TO HISTORIC FLOODING IN ALBANIA

February 11th, 2015
In early February 2015, heavy rains breached river banks causing the worst flooding Southern Albania has seen in more than 40 years. The flood waters affected several regions in the south with the most severe damage in the Fier and Vlora communities where Bankers has been operating alongside over the past ten years. In Fier and Vlora, homes, agricultural land, livestock, and businesses located near rivers have been devastated. Over 865 houses were damaged and more than 17,000 hectares of land flooded. Bankers is actively involved in helping nearby communities recover and our sincere condolences go out to all those affected.

Flood Relief
Bankers, along with personal donations from its employees, has donated over $20,000 CAD to date for the purchase of emergency supplies and aided in the delivery to local communities through two separate initiatives.

In coordination with Fier Prefecture and Dermenas Commune, 500 food packages (1.5 tons of goods) have been donated so far by employees of Bankers and distributed to 165 families in the Povelça village.

In cooperation with the Government of Canada and Observation for Children’s Rights, Bankers donated 530 sets of bed sheets, pillows and blankets which have been distributed to 265 families in Povelca, Darezeza, Levan and Ferras.

A number of EU Member States have responded to the request for assistance in Albania. The European Commission’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) will coordinate the delivery of supplies to affected areas. An EU Civil Protection Team was deployed to Albania on February 11th and will communicate with national authorities to help coordinate incoming assistance.