National-level intervention measures amid bad weather conditions: National Crisis Management Center convenes operational meeting

The National Crisis Management Center (NCMC) convened an operational coordination meeting this morning, in the context of bad weather conditions recorded across the territory of the Republic of Moldova. Following an assessment of the operational situation and the information presented by the responsible institutions, several intervention measures were ordered at national level.

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova also took part in the meeting, alongside the leadership of the institutions with responsibilities in crisis management.

Among the measures to be undertaken are:

- The relevant institutions (the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Ministry of Energy) have activated crisis protocols and will intervene as a priority to ease road traffic, maintain circulation on national and regional roads, combat the ice formation, and restore electricity supply in the affected localities.

- The working day and school hours will start at 09:00 throughout this week, a measure adopted to reduce the risks associated with the movement of the population in difficult traffic conditions.

- The General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations and the National Army will provide support to local public authorities, upon request, on the most affected or dangerous segments, including to ensure access to critical infrastructure and to protect the population.

Current operational situation:

Across the entire territory of the Republic of Moldova, there is rain and fog, with temperatures ranging between -2°C and +3°C, conditions that have favored the ice formation on road surfaces. Traffic is difficult on several national routes, including M1, M2, M3, M5, R2, and R3. Continuous interventions are underway on all these sections, with approximately 135 pieces of machinery and 195 workers deployed. In the last 12 hours, around 1,460 tons of anti-skid material have been spread to keep roads passable and reduce risks for road users.

The General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations has intervened in several districts of the country to unblock vehicles, including ambulances, to support medical crews, and to respond to road accidents that occurred under icy conditions. At national level, additional forces and resources are on standby, ready to intervene at the request of local authorities.

Recommendations for citizens

In the context of bad weather conditions and temporary traffic restrictions, the National Crisis Management Center recommends that citizens:

- avoid non-essential travel, especially in the morning and on affected road sections;

- adjust driving speed to road conditions and follow the instructions of the Police and road authorities;

- ensure that vehicles are properly equipped for winter conditions;

- exercise increased caution when walking, especially on sidewalks, stairs, underpasses, and sloped areas;

- pay special attention to vulnerable persons (elderly, children) and provide assistance when needed;

- contribute, as far as possible, to clearing and removing snow and ice from the areas adjacent to businesses, apartment blocks, pedestrian access routes, and heavily used areas, to prevent accidents and facilitate mobility.

For emergencies, call 112 and follow the instructions of the authorities.