This winter, residents of Geležiai village in Panevėžys district, Lithuania, are facing unprecedented challenges due to extreme cold temperatures that have infiltrated the ground. The situation has become severe enough that locals have had to adapt their daily routines, often relying on water from wells or purchasing drinking water from stores. The freezing temperatures have reportedly caused the water tower itself to freeze, leading to a shortage of running water.

One resident, Tomas, shared his experiences of dealing with disruptions from the water supply for over three weeks. While well water provides some relief, the necessary drinking water has to be bought, placing extra burdens on the villagers. Albinas Šarkanas, who has maintained the water tower for 25 years, expressed that this is the first time the metal tower has failed to withstand such harsh natural conditions, emphasizing the unusualness of the situation.

The water tower, which typically holds 15 tons of water, faced freezing issues due to insufficient movement of water during the day. Despite efforts to keep the water flowing at night, freezing temperatures led to the entire structure being encased in ice. This incident marks a significant moment for the small community of Geležiai, underscoring the impacts of extreme weather on local infrastructure and daily life for its residents.