Moldovan PM convenes emergency meeting to settle problems triggered by hail rains

Chisinau, 19 June /MOLDPRES/ - The damages caused by the 18 June evening torrential hail rains in some Moldovan districts and possibilities to help the people hit by the calamity has been considered at an emergency meeting at the government, convened by Prime Minister Pavel Filip, the government’s communication and media relations department has reported.

Data by the Civilian Protection and Emergency Situations Service shows that torrential rains with strong wind and hail were recorded in north and central Moldova. The worst hit were settlements from the Ungheni district, where roofs of 1,062 houses were destroyed. At the same time, the damages registered in the northern Soldanesti and Floresti districts are presently assessed.   

PM Pavel Filip reiterated that, in crisis situations, the assisting of people is the priority task. The prime minister demanded that slates, cellophane and timber be provided, in order to change the roofs of the dwellings hit by the disaster. A decision to this effect will be adopted at the next cabinet meeting, due on 22 June.     

‘’We do not have time to wait to undergo all the bureaucratic procedures, we will deal with them in parallel; now, it is necessary that we bring the needed aid to citizens just today. I want to warn that we must have a real assessment of the damages registered and a strict record, where, what materials we have provided and their quantity,’’ Pavel Filip stressed.   

The participants in the meeting discussed also the intervention of emergency services, including the anti-hail service and the local public administration. The PM showed concern about the way the local authorities acted on 18 June evening, during the rains and afterwards, to evaluate and remove the consequences. In this respect, the prime minister instructed to send a circular letter to the district leadership, to warn them on how to act in crisis situations and what prevention measures should they take. 

Another subject of the discussions was focused on the degree farmlands were hit by the calamity and the measures due to be undertaken by authorities. 

‘’This year, practically all the territory of Moldova suffered in the wake of the calamities, beginning with early frost in northern Moldova, after which hail hit more vine plantations, orchards and cereals. We are to have a correct assessment in this respect and when we have all data, we will see what compensations the government will come up with,’’ Pavel Filip added. 

Data unveiled by the State Hydrometeorological Service shows that no rains are expected in Moldova on 19 June and the air temperature will vary between +33 and +37 Celsius degrees. Short rains, with thunderstorm in places, are possible in late next week.

(Editor M. Jantovan)