ALBANIA, August 18 – Over the past two months, Albania has been experiencing a severe and widespread forest fire situation that has swept across several regions which is Gramsh, Delvinë, Elbasan, Berat, and Vlora, leaving families displaced, farmlands destroyed, and entire communities in distress.

The fires, which forced the evacuation of around 200 people in certain areas and displaced over 2,000 individuals overall, have left behind extensive destruction.

Preliminary assessments indicate that approximately 34,000 hectares of land have been burned, including forests, agricultural land, olive groves, vineyards, and livestock areas.

Farmers have been particularly affected, reporting the complete loss of crops and livestock, destroying not only their current income but also their long-term livelihoods.

The damage is not limited to agriculture. Roads, village paths, and power lines have been destroyed, causing electricity outages in several areas. Public facilities are also affected.

Health and safety risks are increasing as many animals were burned in the fires, and the slow disposal of carcasses raises fears of disease outbreaks.

Access to some areas, such as Delvinë, is restricted due to ongoing fires and unsafe conditions.

Islamic Relief Albania teams are on the ground in Gramsh and other locations where access is possible to support the emergency relief effort.

The emergency response aims to support 1,000 households, prioritising evacuees at the Gramsh dormitory with daily hot meals, safe drinking water, and hygiene kits in temporary shelters.

Islamic Relief continues to stand in solidarity with the people of Albania during this crisis, committed to scaling up assistance as assessments reveal further needs.