Moldova triggers weather alert as sleet and ice threaten infrastructure
The National Crisis Management Center (CNMC) has placed all state authorities on high alert from February 4 to 8. This decision follows weather forecasts predicting sharp temperature fluctuations, precipitation, and a high risk of black ice across the country.
On February 3, the CNMC convened a strategic coordination meeting with key institutions. The primary goal is to prevent traffic gridlock, utility failures, and safety risks for the general population.
Large-scale mobilization of emergency forces
The Ministry of Internal Affairs will deploy between 2,300 and 2,400 personnel daily. This task force includes officers from the Police, Carabinieri, and Border Police, supported by approximately 650 intervention vehicles.
The National Army is also on standby with 523 soldiers and 48 specialized technical units. These assets are ready to assist local authorities if the situation escalates beyond civil capacity.
Road safety and infrastructure readiness
The National Roads Administration has prepared 460 specialized machines and 12,600 tons of road salt and grit. Monitoring teams are operating 24/7 to ensure main arteries remain navigable as conditions worsen.
In the energy and health sectors, 270 emergency medical teams will be active around the clock. Utility operators have also mobilized rapid-response crews to address potential power outages or infrastructure damage.
Weather outlook and safety recommendations
Forecasts for Wednesday, February 4, predict light sleet with temperatures dropping to –9°C at night and reaching 2°C during the day. High humidity and moderate southeast winds will increase the chill factor.
Conditions will remain unstable through Thursday and Friday. Freezing rain and winds are expected to create hazardous glaze ice, particularly during morning and evening commutes.
Authorities urge citizens to avoid non-essential travel during periods of ice formation. Drivers and pedestrians should rely strictly on official updates and exercise extreme caution on public roads.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
