Although floodwaters have receded, they left behind uncertainty, damage, and fear for the future. Early January floods turned homes into uninhabitable spaces, businesses into losses, and local infrastructure into chaos.
Hundreds of families in Skenderaj and Fushë Kosova have sought assistance from municipal authorities, requesting damage assessments and support. Local institutions warn that without central government aid, responding to the aftermath of this disaster is impossible. The urgency for an emergency fund is growing.
Besjana Thaçi, spokesperson for the Skenderaj Municipality, reported that by the end of last week, 317 families and several businesses had applied for damage assessments. Municipal teams are already on the ground evaluating the destruction, after which compensation amounts will be determined. Thaçi emphasized that state intervention is crucial to help municipalities, families, and businesses overcome the situation.
Similarly, Fushë-Kosova Municipality also suffered extensive damage. Izja Mjeku, Director of Public Services, stated that infrastructure and family economies were heavily affected, and local resources alone are insufficient. So far, 306 claims have been submitted to the Damage Assessment Commission, with teams currently conducting evaluations on-site.
Sazan Ibrahimi, Chairman of the Association of Kosovo Municipalities, urged the creation of an emergency fund for municipalities, ensuring rapid financial support during natural disasters. He noted that past reimbursements had been insufficient and delayed, affecting families, businesses, and damaged infrastructure.
Since Thursday, KosovoPress has reached out to the Ministry of Finance, the Government of Kosovo, and the Ministry of Local Government Administration to ask whether municipalities affected by the floods had requested support and how assistance would be provided. No responses were received by Monday.
According to the Agency for Emergency Management (AME), floods that began on January 5 affected the municipalities of Fushë-Kosovë, Malishevë, Rahovec, Klinë, South Mitrovica, Vushtrri, Drenas, Skenderaj, and Gjakovë.
Previously, in October 2023, the Government of Kosovo allocated €9 million for the recovery of family economies affected by natural disasters in impacted municipalities.
