Severe flooding has affected multiple municipalities across Kosovo, following intense and continuous rainfall overnight and throughout Tuesday, causing widespread damage to homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure.
As a result of the escalating situation, a state of emergency has been declared in two municipalities, and the start of the second school semester has been postponed in several areas.
Rahovec Among the Hardest-Hit Municipalities
One of the most affected areas is Fortesë village in Rahovec, where floodwaters entered homes and destroyed household equipment.
Resident Fatmir Popaj said water flooded the ground floor of his house early in the morning, causing significant damage.
“The flooding started in the morning. Water entered the house, and no one came to check on us. We have been cleaning all day and fear the water could return,” Popaj said.
Another resident, Burim Popaj, a member of the Albanian diaspora living in Austria, criticized local authorities, noting that this was the fourth flooding incident since 2005.
Rahovec Mayor Smajl Latifi stated that the situation has stabilized following the end of rainfall but acknowledged that the early hours were extremely challenging, citing road collapses and power supply disruptions.
Due to safety concerns, the start of the second school semester in Rahovec has been postponed until January 12.
Flood Impact Across Other Municipalities
In Prishtina, Mayor Përparim Rama reported at least 40 emergency interventions related to flooding.
Several villages in Fushë Kosova were also significantly affected.
In Gjakova, several families were evacuated, with the municipality confirming that temporary accommodation in social housing will be provided for those in need.
The Municipality of Deçan urged citizens to avoid high-risk zones, while South Mitrovica Mayor Faton Peci said the situation is under control and gradually improving.
State of Emergency Declared in Malisheva and Junik
The situation is particularly severe in Malisheva, where a state of emergency has been declared. In Bubavec village, floodwaters entered residential homes, forcing evacuations with the assistance of firefighters.
Resident Demokrat Kryeziu described the frightening experience:
“Water entered the house early in the morning. We had to move upstairs as everything downstairs was flooded. The children were panicked, and firefighters evacuated them to safety.”
Firefighter Kujtim Morina described the evacuation as extremely difficult, citing panic and rising water levels.
Flooding also affected businesses and an underground parking facility, trapping several vehicles. The start of school in Malisheva has been postponed, as has the school semester in Junik, which also declared a state of emergency. In both municipalities, classes are expected to resume on January 12.
Drenas and Poklek: The Most Critical Situation
Drenas Municipality has been heavily impacted, with Poklek village facing the most critical conditions. Numerous homes along the Drenica River were flooded, leaving several families isolated.
Fire brigade commander Afrim Gjeli confirmed that emergency interventions began as early as 3:00 a.m., with evacuations continuing throughout the morning.
Mayor Ramiz Lladrovci warned that construction near riverbeds and blocked drainage systems have worsened the flooding.
Flooding of a transformer station rendered the Drenas–Komoran road impassable, while electricity supply was temporarily cut in parts of the municipality.
Institutions on High Alert
Central institutions are closely monitoring the situation. Acting Minister of Infrastructure Hysen Durmishi said emergency teams are operating 24 hours a day to prevent further damage.
Acting Interior Minister Xhelal Sveçla visited Malisheva, confirming that the situation is under control and no human casualties have been reported.
The Kosovo Hydrometeorological Institute warned that river levels rose significantly between January 3–5, causing local flooding, and forecast additional rainfall in the coming days.
Meanwhile, the National Institute of Public Health urged citizens using unprotected wells to boil water before consumption.
Political Reactions
President Vjosa Osmani thanked institutions and citizens for their responsible response, urging continued vigilance and strict adherence to official instructions.
The Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) called for full engagement by central institutions and rapid assistance for affected families, while AAK leader Ramush Haradinaj described the situation as a national emergency.
