Disasters in Kosovo

Kosovo's disaster-management system covers emergencies that seriously threaten people, the environment or critical infrastructure. The main risks include river flooding in the Drini basin, flash floods and landslides in mountainous areas, wildfires, earthquakes, drought and water shortages, heavy snow and avalanches, hazardous-material incidents, dam or reservoir failures and failures of essential infrastructure. Local risk profiles and available resources differ between municipalities. The legal and planning framework includes Law No. 04/L-027, the State Strategy on Disaster Risk Reduction 2023-2028, Regulation GRK No. 25/2020 on risk assessment, Regulation No. 08/2013 on emergency planning and the National Response Plan. The Agjencia e Menaxhimit të Emergjencave (AME) provides technical leadership for risk analysis, monitoring, warnings, public communication, training, reserves and coordination. The Kosovo Hydrometeorological Institute (IHMK) supplies weather and early-warning information that AME assesses for emergency action. The 24-hour Qendra Operative Emergjente 112 receives emergency reports and can activate professional firefighting and rescue units, emergency medical services and other responsible bodies. The general emergency number is 112; 192 reaches the police, 193 the fire service and 194 emergency medical services. Calls to 112 are free, while misuse of emergency numbers can be penalized. The Government manages national coordination, major disasters and international assistance. Municipalities and mayors organize local plans, warnings, response units, accommodation, supplies and recovery, while Kosovo Police maintains public order. A local emergency operations centre can be established by the mayor on the request of the local emergency manager or incident commander. Response begins locally and can escalate to neighbouring municipalities, other regions and, when local and state resources are insufficient, the Kosovo Security Force. During an emergency, people should report danger through 112, follow verified instructions, avoid hazardous areas and not attempt rescues that could endanger them. Evacuation is used when other protective measures are insufficient; the Government, mayor or incident commander determines the evacuation path, destination and deadline under the emergency response plan or the immediate situation. The receiving municipality is responsible for accommodation, care and access to education, while the person's legal status remains unchanged. Government and municipalities provide accommodation and necessary care for people who no longer have a safe home or livelihood after a disaster. The law provides for public shelters to be ready for use within 24 hours, but actual shelter availability varies by municipality. Recovery uses central and local damage commissions, municipal restoration measures and possible reconstruction assistance from the Kosovo budget following a government decision. Affected people should preserve evidence of damage, although the research basis does not establish a universal automatic payment. Regulation GRK No. 01/2017 provides a legal basis for one-time financial assistance, but the concrete eligibility and application procedure require separate checking. Disaster protection and rescue costs are financed through Kosovo and municipal budgets, insurance, donations, international assistance and organizations. Necessary protection, rescue and relief costs within the responsible authority's powers are generally covered by public bodies, while people or organizations that intentionally or negligently cause an intervention, recovery work or claim may have to reimburse costs. Citizens are expected to cooperate, provide material assistance and take part in preparedness and protection structures, subject to legal exceptions for military and professional duties. Voluntary participation is possible from age 15, and the use of required private materials can create a right to compensation; statutory compensation can also cover deployment-related income loss.