Greece offers assistance

TIRANA, Jan. 12 – Foreign Minister Ilir Meta had a telephone conversation with Greek Alternative Foreign Minister Dimitris P. Droutsas who expressed his country’s solidarity in these difficult moments, stressing that “The Greek government is on the side of the Albanian Government and people”.
Droutsas also expressed readiness to provide concrete assistance to the situation and first aid from the Greek government launched for Albania, assistance which will continue depending on the need on the ground.
Two Greek rescue teams arrived on Sunday in the northwestern Albanian region of Vau i Dejes which was stricken by the recent floods. The 35-member crews immediately commenced search and rescue operations, and also assisted in the evacuation of the stricken areas.
The Greek rescuers have at their disposal four vehicles, two inflatable motorboats and seven water pumps.
Italy, France, Austria and Slovenia have sent humanitarian aid and rescue teams to Albania reacting to Albanian authorities’ plea to EU and NATO for help.
Heavy rain and the Albanian authorities’ decision to open the gates of the dam at three hydroelectric plants on the Drini River were the main causes of the catastrophe.