From crisis to care: WV Albania staff respond to flooding

In January, heavy rainfall caused severe flooding across Albania, with Durrës, a World Vision Albania programme area, among the hardest hit. Vulnerable households, including families with multiple children, and children with disabilities, faced water entering their homes, damaging possessions, food, and essential supplies.

“The water flooded us. Only we know what we went through,” says Naile, a mother from Durrës. “My washing machine and sofas were damaged, and I’ve been ill.”

WV Albania staff acted quickly. Using World Vision resources, they first supported 82 households with food packages and livestock feed. Then, with support from Start Fund, a two-phase emergency response reached 400 families (~1,800 people). Phase one delivered food, hygiene kits, blankets, and heaters. Phase two provided cooking stoves and mattresses, restoring daily routines and dignity.

The impact of extreme weather

Over the past decade, Albania has seen a 1.5°C rise in surface temperatures, intensifying extreme weather events. Over three decades, floods have cost the country an estimated $2.5 billion (State Supreme Audit), highlighting the urgent need for rapid humanitarian action. 

Children and young people are particularly vulnerable to climate-related disasters. A WV Albania study, Learning to See the Climate Crisis, showed that floods and extreme weather directly impact children’s well-being, health, and education.

See the response in action

Watch the field video from Durrës to see children and families receiving life-saving support made possible by WV Albania and Start Fund.

For families like Naile’s, this support offered more than material relief - it was reassurance that they were not alone.