Homes flooded, roads blocked after heavy rainfall in Moldova; authorities urge caution

Heavy rainfall recorded in recent hours has caused local flooding, temporary traffic disruptions and fallen trees in more districts of Moldova. Authorities announce that, so far, no casualties have been reported.

"So far, no casualties have been reported. In more districts of the country, households have been affected by water accumulation, road sections have been temporarily blocked or with difficult traffic, and there have been cases of fallen trees. The worst hit localities are reported in the municipality of Chisinau and the districts of Straseni, Ialoveni, Drochia, Telenesti, and Sangerei, where intervention teams continue works to pump out water, clear roads and provide the necessary assistance to the population," the government’s statement reads.

Intervention teams continue to pump water out of homes and basements, clear roads and provide necessary assistance to the affected population.

In the context of the Yellow Code for atmospheric instability, with lightning and heavy rain, the authorities have mobilized all institutions responsible for managing emergency situations. Nationally, the situation is coordinated with the involvement of public order structures, civil protection, road and transport infrastructure, health, environment, energy and local public administration.

Road and railway infrastructure, water levels in rivers and streams and the working of essential services are being constantly monitored. According to the authorities, at this time, there are no major interruptions to critical services.

Officials urge the population to follow safety recommendations, avoid travel during severe weather events, not to cross water-covered roads and to seek information exclusively from official sources. People facing dangerous situations are urged to call the 112 emergency service.

Safety recommendations:

- If you are indoors, stay inside, avoid going out and do not enter flooded areas or places exposed to strong wind.

- If you are in a vehicle and are caught in flooding: stop the engine, leave the vehicle only if the water level is rising quickly, and move immediately to higher ground.

- If you are trapped in the car: call 112 immediately, stay in the vehicle if it is stable, and avoid contact with rising water.

- If you remain trapped in the vehicle and cannot safely leave the area, stay in the vehicle, call 112 immediately, and be prepared to exit through the window if the water begins to rise or enters the cabin.

- Do not attempt to cross water-covered roads – even shallow water can hide potholes or strong currents.

- In case of electrocution risk (downed power lines or damaged poles): do not approach under any circumstances and notify the authorities immediately.

- Prepare a basic emergency kit (documents, charged phone, flashlight, water, medicines) in case of rapid evacuation.

- If you live in low-lying areas or near watercourses, be prepared for preventive evacuation at the request of the authorities.

- Constantly supervise children and vulnerable persons.

- Follow only official messages and updates issued by the competent authorities.

The situation remains under constant monitoring, and the designated institutions continue to assess the impact of the rainfall and carry out the necessary interventions in the affected areas.