The Municipality of Shkodra has requested the declaration of a state of natural disaster for some areas where recent floods are causing severe damage.
In a Facebook post, the municipality asked the government to immediately consider the request for the city of Shkodra and the villages of Ana e Malit and Dajç.
Declaring a state of natural disaster would place the government, not the municipality, in charge of compensating for flood damage.
What does ‘state of natural disaster’ mean?
The state of natural disaster is declared by the government in cases of natural disasters that endanger the health and property of people, such as earthquakes, floods, fires, or epidemics.
In this case, compensation for damages is covered by the state budget, the ‘Civil Emergencies’ program, various donations, and other sources.
What rights can be restricted during a natural disaster?
Article 175 of the Constitution stipulates that the rights and freedoms that are restricted during a state of natural disaster are;
- Inviolability of the home and the person;
- Freedom of movement;
- Restrictions on expropriation and the right to just repayment;
- The right to work;
- The right to strike.
