Moldova winter storm: Travel disruptions, school closures
Heavy snowfall and sleet continue to impact parts of Moldova, leaving 40 villages grappling with power outages and disrupting travel and school schedules.
As of this morning, nearly 2,600 personnel with over 1,000 units of equipment are still actively engaged in restoring normalcy across the country.
"Officers and non-commissioned officers from the subdivisions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, road workers from the State Road Administration, medical workers, as well as workers of electricity suppliers are taking measures to bring the situation back to normal," the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (IGSU) stated in a press release, highlighting the coordinated efforts of various organisations.
Extensive Restoration Efforts Underway:
Focused efforts are underway to clear roads, re-establish power, and ensure public safety. "Clearing and spreading of anti-skid material is taking place on all national, regional and local routes," the IGSU confirmed, indicating ongoing road clearing operations on all transportation levels.
The IGSU reported receiving over 6,300 calls through the national emergency number 112 in the past 24 hours, with the majority requiring ambulance or police assistance. Fortunately, no major injuries or casualties have been reported.
Travel Disruptions and School Closures:
The severe weather has also impacted regional mobility. At the Leușeni-Albița and Cahul-Oancea border crossings, neighbouring Romanian authorities are redirecting truck traffic due to hazardous conditions. Additionally, Chisinau International Airport has cancelled 15 flights as a precautionary measure.
To provide additional time for recovery and ensure students' safety, Emergency Situations Commissions in 24 districts have authorised extending the winter vacation by one or two days in over 1,000 educational institutions.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
