Extreme Weather in Romania

România Internațional, 20.09.2017, 13:11

Violent storms hit on Sunday the western, northern and central part of Romania, causing death and destruction. Meteorologists have now warned of yet another wave of extreme weather, issuing code yellow and orange warnings for storms and heavy weather from Wednesday afternoon to Thursday night all over the country. Bucharest also preparing for a heavy storm, given the dramatic situation in Timisoara on Sunday, the city worst hit by such events, with the most victims and damage.

Bucharest Mayor Gabriela Firea has called on Bucharesters to stay at home unless on urgent business. Classes for students in Bucharest schools have been cut short . Firea has appealed to companies posting advertisement screens and panels of all kinds to check them for safety as well. She has also asked that urban vegetation be trimmed in order to reduce risks to passers by. Emergency teams have been put on alert.

Local authorities have been assessing the damage done by the extreme weather events on Sunday, in order to establish the bill to the government. PM Mihai Tudose has stated that his government will issue damage payments, especially for schools, hospitals, and other public institutions. He has also consulted with emergency intervention institutions and telephony companies on setting up an emergency mass alert system in case of disaster, similar to other EU countries. A mass advertisement campaign is also in the works should such a system be put in place.

On Monday, the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Carmen Dan visited the areas affected by the storms. So far, eight people have lost their lives and 140 have been injured throughout the country. Romania is eligible to access European funds in case of disaster, as well as funding for a public disaster alert information system.