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According to Premier Energy, by 13:00, 92 settlements in nine districts, including Criuleni, Orhei, Straseni, Calarasi and Hincesti, were left without electricity due to broken wires. The emergency services warn that due to the wind gusts, the risk of new breaks remains at least until 20:00. Residents are urged to be extremely careful: never approach fallen wires, do not touch poles and do not try to repair electrical equipment on their own. Any damage should be immediately reported to the emergency services by calling 112 or the supplier’s phone numbers.
A complicated situation is also observed on the roads. The Moldovan police reported massive tree falls in Riscani, Falesti, Soroca and Balti districts. The mayors of Chisinau and Balti urged citizens to stay at home if possible, not to park cars under trees and billboards, as well as to keep a close eye on children. Drivers are advised to keep the distance and be ready for obstacles on the roadway.
Citizens are also advised to secure or remove lightweight items from balconies and yards that could be carried away by the wind. All municipal and emergency services have been switched to a special mode of operation until the weather conditions stabilize.
UPDATE 14:00
Due to strong winds and an orange weather warning, the State Road Administration warns that traffic has been blocked on a number of national roads due to fallen trees. Traffic problems have been reported in the Ungheni (roads R42 and G62), Fălești (G58), Călărași (R21) and Leova (R34) areas, as well as near the village of Pârcani on the R20 road. Road maintenance crews are working round the clock to clear the carriageways. Drivers are urged to exercise the utmost caution and avoid non-essential journeys. In the event of an emergency on the roads, the emergency services can be contacted 24 hours a day on +373 78 337 744 or +373 60 477 117.
UPDATE 3:00 PM
Power outages were recorded in 123 settlements in the central and southern regions of the country. A total of 53,000 customers were left without power.
Mayor General Ion Ceban of Chisinau announced that all outdoor public events have been cancelled in Chisinau.
Citizens planning to fly in the near future are advised to take into account adverse weather conditions, which could lead to flight delays or cancellations, and to check the flight status in real time on the airport’s online flight information board.
