All roads accessible, practicable in Moldova

Chisinau, 18 March /MOLDPRES/ - All roads of Moldova were been cleaned and are presently accessible and practicable, the head of the operative service of the State Roads’ Administration, Sergiu Capatina, has told MOLDPRES.

According to Capatina, works of patrolling, cleaning the snow and combating the ice were carried out on Moldova’s roads in the last night. ‘’As many as 230 special vehicles and almost 280 workers intervened. Roadmen used more than 2,000 tons anti-skid material. All dangerous sectors are permanently monitored and interventions are made, if necessary,’’ Sergiu Capatina noted.   

In the context of the heavy snowfall, the National Patrol Inspectorate recommends that drivers equip their vehicles properly to move in winter conditions: tyres specific to the season, anti-snow chains, shovel, pouch with sand and fuel reserve. During the circulation, drivers are urged to reduce the speed, increase the distance in traffic, clean the headlights and signal blocks and properly use the ventilation and conditioning device. If the driver remains blocked in blizzard, he/she is urged to move to the right side of the road, call the 902 number and wait for the patrol crew and the intervention ones.  

At the same time, patrol policemen and pedestrians are recommended to display maximum of prudence in traffic and observe the traffic rules, enhance their attention and avoid, as far as possible, the use of the roadway, especially after the sunset and in conditions of low visibility.  

Representatives of the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations urged citizens to avoid the movement on segments where branches of electricity wires are hanging, fallen because of sleet layers. Also, people are asked to be cautious and observe the anti-fire norms. Stoves should be exploited adequately, just as the electric apparatus for warming, in order to avoid the occurring of emergency situations, with danger for health and life. In case of risk situations, people are asked to call emergency services.   

Last night, the following air temperatures were registered in Moldova: -4 - -10 degrees in the northern region, -2 - -8 degrees in the central Moldova and 0 - -3 in the southern region. Snowfall was recorded at night, especially in the northern region and sleet in the central and southern regions. The sky was mostly cloudy. Blizzard was registered in some places, strong in some regions and moderate north-western wind, gusting in places.  

The State Hydrometeorological Service announced Yellow Code of sharp weather change, valid for 17-22 March. Meteorologists forecast snowfall, glazed frost, wind and waves of cold.

(Reporter A. Ciobanu, editor A. Raileanu)