The aftermath of the severe weather that hit Moldova on August 6 has proven more serious than initially anticipated. Significant damage has been inflicted on energy infrastructure, with emergency services mobilized. A new storm warning has been issued across the country.
The most severe damage has been recorded on the 330 kV Bălți–Dnestrovsk high-voltage power line, which connects Moldova to the Ukrainian energy grid. According to preliminary reports, wind gusts reaching up to 20 m/s toppled or severely damaged approximately 10 reinforced concrete pylons near an area roughly 15 kilometers from Bălți.
Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu offered the reassurance that specialists from Moldelectrica have already begun surveying the damaged section and assessing the extent of the destruction. According to the minister, if restoration work is carried out exclusively by the company’s own forces, the timeline could exceed seven days. As a result, the minister is exploring the possibility of bringing in other specialized organizations to expedite repairs.
Meanwhile, rescuers from the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (IGSU) have been addressing the fallout from the severe weather in the northern and central regions.
Reports indicate 10 emergency callouts in the Glodeni, Rîșcani, Ocnița, Briceni, and Telenești districts to clear roads of fallen trees. In Glodeni, trees crashed onto the roofs of a residential building, a pharmacy, and an outbuilding. In the village of Horodiște in the Rîșcani district, a tree collapsed onto a car, though fortunately no one was injured. In the Glodeni district, winds damaged roofing, tearing off approximately 200 sheets of slate and 300 square meters of metal roofing tiles, while in the village of Duruitoarea Nouă, the wind ripped the roof off an outbuilding.
The deteriorating weather comes amid the extreme heatwave that has settled over Moldova. Earlier, the meteorological service had declared a “yellow code” due to high temperatures. Meteorologists attribute the sudden shift in weather to the passage of atmospheric fronts.
In light of the ongoing threat to citizens, the State Hydrometeorological Service has issued a new “yellow code” weather alert, which remains in effect until the morning of August 8. Forecasters predict thunderstorms, heavy downpours with precipitation of up to 15–25 l/m², hail, and squally winds with gusts reaching 15–20 m/s. Citizens are urged to exercise caution and avoid staying near trees, power lines, and poorly secured structures.
