Rainfall causes flooding in several cities in Kosovo

2026-01-06 10:19:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

The Hydrometeorological Institute of Kosovo (IHMK) has announced that rainfall in recent days has caused flooding in several cities, mainly in the western part of the country.

The IHMK stressed that continuous rainfall over several days in places such as Gjakova, Junik, Deçan, Malisheva, Rahovec and Klina has caused rivers and streams to overflow their beds.

"These rainfalls, with varying intervals and intensity, are expected to continue over the coming days, causing local flooding, problems in communication, sewage systems, as well as traffic difficulties," the IHMK announcement states.

According to this institute, the country's main rivers - such as the Ibri, Sitnica, Lepenci, Morava and Binçës - have "slight" increases in water levels.

The Regional Water Supply Company "Mitrovica" has announced that it has temporarily interrupted water supply due to "high levels of turbidity in the Iber-Lepenc canal".

"This measure is being taken to guarantee the safety and quality of drinking water, in accordance with the technical and health standards in force," the announcement of the RWC "Mitrovica" states.

On social media, residents, municipal officials, and local media from various cities have published photos and videos showing the flooding.

The Mayor of Skenderaj, Sami Lushtaku, has published several photos from his visits to flooded neighborhoods and said that emergency teams have been engaged in the field since midnight.

"Last night's rainfall, which continues today, has brought flooding to several areas of the Municipality of Skenderaj, causing difficulties for a number of families," Lushtaku wrote on Facebook.

In Malisheva, the emergency management headquarters has appealed to citizens to avoid "unnecessary movements" due to flooding.

"Many roads have been blocked by water as a result of the rising level of rivers and streams, making traffic difficult. Therefore, we ask citizens not to move unnecessarily and, in cases where movement is necessary, to use alternative routes," the announcement of the Municipality of Malisheva states.

Several other municipalities, such as Gjakova and Klina, have also issued similar announcements.

Kosovo has faced floods in recent years, which have mainly caused material damage.

It is estimated that damage to river beds, as a result of illegal gravel extraction, contributes greatly to the flooding of areas./ Rel