TIRANA, January 9 – Interior Minister Albana Koçiu said today that all ministry structures remained fully prepared throughout the flooding caused by heavy rainfall.

She explained that having teams on the ground enabled rapid responses to emergencies, including evacuations and assistance in health-related or critical situations.

Koçiu highlighted that ministry units, together with prefecture structures, immediately convened emergency headquarters at the prefecture level. These units coordinated actions and collected all necessary information, which she described as vital to ensure joint work.

She added that presence on the ground allowed authorities to assist every resident in need, whether for evacuation or urgent interventions.

During the Interministerial Committee for Civil Emergencies meeting, Koçiu stated that around 5,500 State Police officers worked across the country with 700 vehicles at their disposal. At the same time, over 720 firefighters operated with 55 fire trucks and 22 suction pumps in the most affected areas.

Koçiu emphasized that both police and fire services remained fully committed. She confirmed that teams actively supported all structures and carried out life-saving missions in affected zones. She added that authorities were gathering information on damage across the territory.

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