Over 700 localities in Moldova disconnected from electricity due to snowfalls

Chisinau, 21 April /MOLDPRES/ – More than 700 localities in 22 districts in the southern and central parts of Moldova are partially or totally disconnected from electricity due to hazard weather conditions that have caused damage to power lines and conductors. The announcement was made today by the Minister of Economy, Octavian Calmic, during the meeting of the Commission for Exceptional Situations.

According to the official, in the Central area there are over 600 localities disconnected from the electricity, and in the northern area about one hundred. "The situation is more difficult than in the morning. There are major difficulties in Cahul. At the same time, in Chisinau more than 400 residential blocks were re-connected to the thermal energy," said Calmic.

At the meeting, the head of the General Police Inspectorate (IGP), Alexandru Pinzari, specified that over 30 segments of national routes are currently closed. "The most affected are the parts of districts: Criuleni, Dubasari, Cahul, Ceadir-Lunga, Taraclia, Causeni, Hincesti and Gagauz-Yeri UTA. There are problems especially on rural roads. There are over 300 electric wire tears, about 180 cables and 200 fallen pillars in Chisinau," said Pinzari.

The IGP head also said that there were two road accidents on the national routes, one involving 18 children travelling by minibus from Edinet to the Saharna monastery, Rezina district. "All persons involved in accidents are out of danger. Also, eight people were traumatized by the fall of the branches, a person in Botanica sector of the capital would have been electrocuted with an electric wire, and in Comrat a man is missing," said Pinzari.

At the same time, representatives of the Ministry of Transports and Road Infrastructure said that 330 technical units are currently involved in roads snow cleaning. Thus, the take-off and landing of planes at Chisinau International Airport might have become possible after 15.00.

At his turn, the Environment Minister, Valeriu Munteanu, said that in Chisinau the snow layer to be 57 cm. "There is a danger of floods in the melting of snow, so it is necessary to free the water evacuation routes, including along rivers," said Munteanu.

Prime Minister Pavel Filip said that, in that situation, priority number one was the citizens’ security. "We will identify the aid we need. The crisis cell remains to solve the 24-hour problems non-stop. Another request is that forest owners agree with the crisis cell teams to intervene. Flood risks remain valid, so take all necessary action. Forces are absolutely sufficient, only good organization is needed. Eliminating trees is another priority, as well as reconnecting to electricity. In the second stage, we will return with the cleaning of the trees and, of course, with the damage assessment. We will take all steps to mitigate the consequences," said Filip.

The State Hydrometeorological Service issued, for 18-24 April, the frost yellow code throughout Moldova. There will keep on the sleet today. Precipitation will reduce from intensity, and in the evening it will continue.

(Reporter A. Plitoc, editor L. Alcaza)