A situation of serious concern is affecting northern Albania, particularly the Shkodër area, where the Ura e Shtrejtë–Prekal road axis has been completely closed to traffic due to a significant collapse of the road structure. The incident occurred after 48 hours of intense rainfall and adverse weather conditions, which made the ground unstable and highly dangerous.
|
| A road blocked due to a landslide in Prekal. |
Where the landslide occurred: the “Shkallë Logje” area
The collapse was confirmed in the section known as “Shkallë Logje”, long considered one of the most problematic segments of the Ura e Shtrejtë–Prekal axis. In this area, large masses of soil and debris slid onto the roadway, making the road completely impassable and potentially deadly for both vehicles and pedestrians.
According to initial assessments, the risk of further landslides remains high, especially if weather conditions worsen again.
Immediate intervention by local authorities
Immediately after the incident was reported, teams from the Public Services Enterprise of the Municipality of Shkodër intervened on site, adopting urgent measures to ensure public safety. In particular:
- emergency warning signage was installed
- the road axis was completely closed to traffic
- the most at-risk areas were cordoned off
The main objective of the authorities was to prevent accidents and safeguard citizens’ lives.
Causes of the landslide: heavy rainfall and saturated ground
Preliminary assessments indicate that the landslide was caused by soil saturation, due to heavy rainfall over the past 48 hours. This was compounded by:
- a drop in temperatures
- unstable and persistent weather conditions
- the geological fragility of the affected section
All these factors contributed to compromising the stability of the road structure.
Situation under constant monitoring
Local authorities have stated that the situation is being continuously monitored. In the coming days, a detailed technical inspection is planned to assess:
- the actual extent of the damage
- the risk of new landslides
- the necessary structural interventions
- the timeline for restoring traffic
Only after this assessment will it be possible to initiate targeted and safe repair works.
Disruption for residents: only one alternative route
Due to the total closure of the Ura e Shtrejtë–Prekal axis, residents of Prekal and surrounding villages are facing significant difficulties. Currently, only one alternative route is available, passing on the other side toward Qafa e Thores.
From the Mali i Shoshit side, traffic remains completely impossible, as the road is blocked at the level of Prekal and offers no alternative passage.
Appeal from the Municipality of Shkodër to the population
The Municipality of Shkodër has issued a clear appeal to citizens and drivers, urging them to:
- avoid unnecessary travel in the area
- respect road signs and instructions from authorities
- exercise maximum caution, especially in the event of further rainfall
Authorities emphasize that, with ongoing bad weather, there is a concrete risk of further landslides, which could worsen the situation.
When restoration works will begin
According to official statements, works for the removal of inert materials and the securing of the road structure will begin as soon as:
- weather conditions allow
- the detailed technical assessment is completed
The goal is to restore traffic as quickly as possible, while ensuring high safety standards for residents and all users of this important infrastructure.
The closure of the Ura e Shtrejtë–Prekal road represents a serious problem for local mobility and highlights the vulnerability of certain infrastructures in the face of extreme weather events. Cooperation between citizens and institutions will be essential to address the emergency and reduce risks until full normality is restored.