Albania is grappling with a severe wildfire crisis, leading to widespread evacuations and significant damage. The blazes have injured several people and destroyed homes and agricultural land, prompting an urgent call for increased preparedness as the country faces increasingly intense fire seasons exacerbated by climate change.
Key Takeaways
- Three people were injured with burns and asphyxiation near Delvina.
- Approximately 2,000 residents were evacuated from six villages.
- A church and ten uninhabited houses were destroyed.
- One elderly man died from smoke inhalation after a fire spread from his yard.
- Eight other individuals sustained injuries.
- The Gramsh area, south of Elbasan, was particularly hard-hit.
Widespread Evacuations and Damage
Wildfires have swept across Albania, forcing the evacuation of around 2,000 residents from six villages near the southern town of Delvina. The fires have not only threatened lives but also caused considerable property damage, with a church and ten uninhabited houses succumbing to the flames. In one tragic incident, an elderly man died from smoke inhalation after a fire he started in his yard spread uncontrollably to nearby villages in the Gramsh area. Eight other individuals were injured in the fires.
National Response and International Aid
Albanian authorities have deployed significant resources to combat the escalating situation. The Defence Ministry dispatched approximately 60 soldiers to assist firefighting efforts. Two helicopters were utilized to help contain the blaze near Delvina, with the fire’s intensity reportedly easing in the evening. The country is also receiving support from the United Arab Emirates, Czechia, Slovakia, and Greece in its firefighting operations. Despite these efforts, the scale of the fires has highlighted concerns about the nation’s preparedness.
Climate Change and Future Preparedness
The recent wildfires are occurring amidst a broader heatwave affecting Greece and the Balkans, with high temperatures contributing to the arid conditions that fuel these devastating fires. Experts and officials are warning Albania to urgently boost its preparedness for future fire seasons, which are expected to become more intense due to climate change. The government has pledged compensation for those affected, but criticism has been raised regarding the level of preparedness in the face of these growing environmental challenges. Villagers, like those in Harunas, have described the fires as "terrifying" and are hoping for state assistance to rebuild their livelihoods, including lost olive and grape plantations.
