MOLDOVA GOT IN GRIP OF BAD WEATHER

Heavy snowfall and strong wind, which continues almost constantly since Wednesday evening, led to serious problems across the country. As of Thursday morning, 55 localities in 13 raions were partially or completely de-energized.

According to the General Emergency Situations Inspectorate, rescuers provided help to many owners of vehicles, who got into snow drifts. For example, seven trucks got stuck due to the weather on the R-34 road at the approaching Giurgiulesti. Also, special machinery was applied near the village of Mindresti of Telenesti raion, where four trucks got into snow trap. In total, 1200 tons of sleetproof materials were used in the country roads for stabilization of the situation. 148 special vehicles and 185 road men are working in the country roads round-the-clock.

According to the Customs Service, due to breaks in electricity supply in the neighboring Ukraine, two border checkpoints were closed – Giurgiulesti-1 and Ceadir-Lunga-2. They will resume the work once the situation stabilizes. The Malovata ferry crossing on Dniester River, which unites villages Malovata Noua and Malovata Veche, was also closed due to icing and strong wind.

Rescuers recommend to citizens, who decided to travel and got into difficult situation, to call 901.

Besides, at least six flights from the Chisinau Airport were postponed due to the bad weather.