The flooding affecting northwestern part of Albania and Lake Shkoder area since the 3rd of December 2010 caused extensive damage and left many people homeless. President of Albania H.E. Mr. Bamir Topi and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Albania H.E. Mr. Edmond Haxhinasto in separate telephone conversations with President of Turkey H.E Abdullah Gül as well as Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, H.E. Ahmet Davutoğlu have asked for urgent assistance, primarily a rescue helicopter and medicine, food and clothing.

In order to contribute in easing the damage caused by the floods in the brotherly Albania in a swift and effective manner, and in cooperation with the Prime Ministry and Turkish Armed Forces, three S-70 Skorksy helicopters have been allocated. One of them has the capability of search and rescue. They are being dispatched to Albania. In addition, one truck carrying 150 tents and 1000 blankets will be dispatched to Albania on 6th of December 2010 by the Turkish Red Crescent. Furthermore, Turkish Ministry of Health and the Turkish Red Crescent are continuing their efforts to provide food, medicine, medical supplies and clothing to the affected areas.

On the other hand, heavy rains in the last two weeks in Montenegro have resulted with floods especially in the northeastern part of the country. Ministry of Defense of Montenegro has asked Turkey to provide medicine, medical supplies, tents, food and motorboats. In order to meet Montenegro’s urgent request, joint efforts are co-ordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant Turkish authorities. It is foreseen that on 7th of December 2010, two trucks consisting of 850 packages of food and 30 cubic meters of medicine and medical supplies will be leaving Turkey for Montenegro.