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Department of Hydrology (DH)

Department of Hydrology (DH) is a basic Research Unit of the Institute of Geosciences (IGEO) under the Polytechnic University of Tirana (PUT), based on the order No.371, date 28.7.2011 on the establishment of the ex-Institute of Geosciences, Energy, Water and Environment (IGEWE), issued by the ex-Ministry of Education and Science, the present Institute of Geosciences (IGEO); Law No. 85, date 22.07.2015 “For the Higher Education and Scientific Research in the Republic of Albania” and relevant by-laws in its implementation, especially the Statute of the Polytechnic University of Tirana (PUT), as approved by the order No. 10, date 11.01.2019, of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, as well as on the internal regulatory acts, which:

  • Continously Monitor and Record the Hydrological Activity in Albania;
  • Operate and administers the National Centre for Forecast and Monitoring of Natural Hazards (NCFMNH);
  • Guaranty real time Water Level Information dissemination and support the activities of the National Agency of Civil Protection (NACP) due preparedness, mitigation and response operational and research activities;
  • Conduct basic and applied Research in Hydrology and Hydraulics;
  • Integrate the research activity in that of teaching.
  • Conduct hydrological for third parties;

It represent the only national infrastructure for earthquake monitoring, seismological research and seismic hazard assessment.

Mission

The Department of Hydrology (DH), is a basic unit of scientific research at the Institute of Geosciences (IGEO), Polytechnic University of Tirana (UPT), which in addition to scientific research participates in monitoring and operational activities in compliance with applicable legal obligations.

Based on the current status, DH task is conducting scientific research and general or applied study in the fields of hydrology, hydraulics; specifically: Controls and monitors the Hydrological Network and analyzes the data observed from this Network; Study river watercourses and builds Flood Hazard Maps.

In fulfilling the legal monitoring and operational obligations in support of the National Agency of Civil Protection (NACP), responsible for minimizing, preventing and responding in case of civil emergencies, DH uses the National Hydrological Network (NHN).

IGEO NHN is the only national infrastructure for forecasting and monitoring floods and forest fires and support for the development of scientific research in these and related fields. In fulfillment of the legal obligations arising from the previous legislation and the current one for Civil Protection, DH realizes the forecast and monitoring of the expected natural hazards in the territory of Albania and informs through a bulletin the NACP and the public every day.

This structure is set up in 2011, in order to predict extreme natural phenomena and give the early warning, works 365 days a year and has a first-hand importance related to safety issues. The National Center for Forecast and Monitoring of Natural Hazards (NCFMNH) provides the forecast of Hydrological risk, and Forest Fires.

DH staff is engaged in the National Center for Forecast and Monitoring of Natural Hazards (NCFMNH) and plays a key role in coordinating work on Flood and Fire Forecasting. Also in monitoring of water levels and measuring the discharges.

Vision

DH vision is to work in integrated and quantitative hydrology and to develop the knowledge needed to solve the water related problems, creating a water resilient society, by:

  • Conducting essential research on hydrology cycle while collecting and delivering high quality water levels and discharge data.
  • Providing flood hazard information to the public and governmental authorities, in collaboration with our international partners.

Contribution

  • Operate, maintain and administer the National Hydrological Network (NHN);
  • Monitor, record and archive water levels and discharges, contributing to the National Center for Forecast and Monitoring of Natural Hazards;
  • Continuosly conduct operational activities to support National Agency of Civil Protection (NACP) and other relevant institutions, provide real time information on weather condition and floods and disseminate relevant information to the media and general public;
  • Exchange hydrological data with homologuos hydro-meteo institutions and international Data Centers;
  • Issue and implement national/international research projects in the field of hydrology;