When Technology Saves Lives: Durrës tests flood preparedness through a Civil Emergency Simulation
Durrës, 13 October 2026 – Albania becomes the first country in the Western Balkans to deploy Vodafone Foundation’s Instant Network technology to restore communications during civil emergencies.To mark the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Municipality of Durrës organized a large-scale simulation exercise entitled “Managing a Major Flood in the Municipality of Durrës”, aimed at testing institutional preparedness, coordination among responsible authorities and emergency response capabilities in the face of natural disasters.The simulation brought together central and local government institutions, operational response structures, international and local organizations, private-sector partners and volunteers, creating a realistic scenario for civil emergency management.A key component of the exercise was the deployment of Vodafone Foundation’s Instant Network technology, which enables mobile connectivity to be restored in disaster-affected areas when traditional telecommunications infrastructure has been damaged or rendered inoperable. Through this capability, Albania is taking an important step towards strengthening its technological readiness for civil emergencies, becoming the first country in the Western Balkans to incorporate this solution in support of crisis communications.The exercise simulated a major flooding scenario across the Municipality of Durrës, putting the entire emergency management chain to the test, from early warning and institutional activation to information sharing, inter-institutional coordination, resource mobilization and field response. Participants operated according to their actual roles and responsibilities, simulating decision-making under pressure, the evacuation of families, the protection of vulnerable groups, and the management of disruptions to electricity, water supply and communication services.The exercise was led and coordinated by the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) in Albania, the National Civil Protection Agency and the Municipality of Durrës, in partnership with Vodafone Foundation in Albania and the Albanian Red Cross.“When donors join forces through a joint programme, they send a clear message: cooperation and coordination lead to more sustainable results. Rather than implementing multiple fragmented projects, each with its own objectives and approach, we can build an integrated and coherent early warning system aligned with national priorities and international standards. This approach not only contributes to the long-term strengthening of institutions, but also provides a common platform for Albanian partners, helping to avoid overlapping efforts and the fragmentation of resources,” said Jule Petra Schulz, Director of GIZ in Albania.Haki Çako, Director General of the National Civil Protection Agency, emphasized that only through the cooperation of all stakeholders can safer systems and communities be built.“Earthquakes, floods and wildfires remind us that safety requires continuous effort. Understanding risks, taking preventive measures and being prepared to act in time can save lives and reduce damage. Exercises like this provide a practical opportunity to turn information into practical skills and awareness into action. Municipalities, operational response structures, volunteers and civil society organizations each play an important role in strengthening community resilience. Only through cooperation and joint preparedness can we build a stronger civil protection system and safer communities,” said Haki Çako, Director General of the National Civil Protection Agency.A key moment of the exercise was the demonstration of Vodafone Foundation’s Instant Network technology in Albania. Using satellite connectivity, the volunteer team enabled communications between operational response structures and provided internet access in the simulated flood zone, demonstrating the importance of maintaining uninterrupted communications during emergencies.“Through Instant Network, we work alongside government institutions, response teams and local communities to strengthen preparedness, build local capacity and ensure that communications can be rapidly restored when they are needed most. The establishment of the Instant Network hub in Albania and our partnership with the National Civil Protection Agency are important steps towards integrating sustainable communication solutions into the national emergency response system. This will enable communities to respond more quickly, recover more effectively and be better prepared for future crises,” said Lisa Felton, Executive Director of Vodafone Foundation and Director of Sustainable Business and Human Rights at Vodafone.The exercise provided an opportunity to test response capabilities, identify areas for improvement and strengthen inter-institutional coordination in civil emergency management.As part of the initiative, the National Civil Protection Agency and Vodafone Foundation in Albania signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen emergency response through technology and the global Instant Network volunteer network.