Torrential rain and strong winds on July 19 kept emergency crews on high alert across Moldova. Within just a few hours, rescuers from the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (IGSU) responded to 20 incidents caused by the severe weather, with most calls coming from Chisinau.
According to the IGSU, 17 interventions involved cutting and removing trees brought down by strong winds in the districts of Rezina, Orhei, Cantemir, Soroca, Leova, and in the capital. Another three operations focused on pumping floodwater from affected areas in Chișinău and Cantemir district.
In Chișinău, rescuers pumped water out of a semi-basement apartment on Drumul Viilor Street. In the village of Cania and the town of Cantemir, emergency crews removed approximately 110 cubic meters of water from flooded basements and cellars.
The highest number of interventions took place in the capital, where fallen trees crushed vehicles, blocked roads, and damaged power lines on Sucevița, Ghidighici, Alba Iulia, Paris, Grigore Alexandrescu, Pușkin streets, and Cuza Vodă Boulevard. Rescuers worked to clear the roads and eliminate potential hazards.
Emergency teams also removed fallen trees in the districts of Orhei, Rezina, Leova, Cantemir, and Soroca, where roads and electricity lines were affected.
The IGSU said no injuries were reported as a result of the severe weather. Authorities urge residents to avoid standing near old trees, power poles, and billboards during storms and to call the 112 Emergency Service in case of emergencies.