Severe flooding in Durrës, Albania, has triggered a major legal response after the tragedy resulted in one confirmed death and extensive material damage to homes, public infrastructure, and agricultural land. The Prosecutor’s Office of Durrës has officially launched a criminal investigation, signaling a serious examination into whether the disaster was caused solely by natural factors or worsened by institutional negligence and abuse of duty.
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| Flooding in neighborhood 2 in Durres where cars are seen submerged |
The floods, which struck the coastal city over the course of two consecutive days of heavy rainfall, disrupted daily life, blocked roads, flooded residential areas, and placed the entire region under emergency conditions. According to the prosecution, the magnitude of the damage and the loss of human life constitute sufficient grounds for criminal proceedings under Albanian law.
Three Criminal Offenses Under Investigation
In an official statement distributed to national media, the Prosecutor’s Office of Durrës confirmed that investigations have begun for three serious criminal offenses:
- Abuse of Office
- Destruction of Property by Flooding
- Destruction of Property through Negligence
These offenses are sanctioned under Articles 248, 153, and 161 of the Albanian Criminal Code, respectively. Prosecutors emphasize that the investigation aims to determine whether state institutions or local government authorities failed in their legal duties, contributing to the devastating consequences.
Widespread Damage Across Durres
The prosecution highlighted that the flooding caused visible and measurable damage affecting both private citizens and public services. Schools, healthcare institutions, public administration services, and transportation routes were severely disrupted. Urban and interurban roads were blocked, residential homes were flooded, and entire neighborhoods were placed at risk.
Additionally, the situation escalated to a regional emergency, particularly after water entered a penitentiary institution, raising serious concerns about public safety and institutional preparedness.
The prosecutor noted that many of these damages were extensively documented and broadcast by Albanian print media, online platforms, and national television, reinforcing the conclusion that the consequences were neither minor nor isolated.
Death of Municipal Worker Raises Serious Legal Questions
One of the most tragic outcomes of the floods was the death of a municipal employee, identified by initials A.H., who worked for the Municipal Enterprise of Plazh, Durrës.
According to preliminary information, A.H. was dispatched to the affected area to inspect the flooding situation. Investigators suspect that he was swept away by strong water currents, resulting in his death.
The prosecution stated that, based on current evidence and media reports, there are reasonable suspicions that the death may be linked to abuse of office, particularly regarding failures in risk management, safety protocols, and emergency response coordination.
Were the Floods Only Natural? Prosecutors Seek Answers
A central focus of the investigation is determining whether the catastrophic effects were:
- Entirely natural, caused by extraordinary rainfall, or
- Exacerbated by human factors, including negligence, lack of maintenance, or failure to implement flood-prevention measures
Authorities are examining whether individuals entrusted with maintenance, inspection, drainage management, and emergency coordination failed to act appropriately or in a timely manner.
The prosecution emphasized that actions or omissions by responsible officials may have directly harmed citizens’ interests, caused severe property damage, and ultimately contributed to the loss of human life.
Public and Private Property Devastated
Beyond the tragic death, the flooding caused significant destruction of public infrastructure and private property. Roads, drainage systems, residential buildings, and agricultural land were heavily affected.
Based on the preliminary assessment, prosecutors believe there are sufficient grounds to suspect the crimes of:
- Destruction of Property by Flooding, and
- Destruction of Property through Negligence
These charges reflect potential failures in urban planning, drainage maintenance, and flood risk management, issues that have long concerned residents of Durrës and other Albanian coastal cities.
Next Steps in the Criminal Investigation
To fully clarify the facts and determine criminal responsibility, the Prosecutor’s Office announced a comprehensive investigative process that includes:
- Collection and analysis of all relevant documentation
- Examination of institutional decisions and emergency measures
- Questioning of officials and witnesses with knowledge of the events
- Assessment of infrastructure maintenance records
- Evaluation of early warning systems and response timelines
The goal is to ensure that the findings are clear, evidence-based, and legally sound, allowing prosecutors to determine whether criminal liability exists and, if so, who should be held accountable.
A Wake-Up Call for Albania’s Institutions
This investigation represents more than a legal process—it is a critical test of accountability for local and state institutions in Albania. As climate-related extreme weather events become more frequent, the Durres floods highlight the urgent need for preventive infrastructure, transparent governance, and effective emergency planning.
For many Albanians, the tragedy raises pressing questions about responsibility, safety, and the protection of human life in times of crisis.
The outcome of this case is expected to have a significant impact on public trust and future disaster-management policies across the country.