Feb 23 • 17:02 UTC 🇱🇹 Lithuania 15min

"When you prepare yourself - nature appreciates it": The men of Kartenos have taken action against the flood

Local men from Kartenos are actively working to remove fallen trees along the Alanta River to prevent potential flooding.

Over the weekend, men from the local community in Kartenos took initiative to address potential flooding by navigating the Alanta River and cutting down fallen trees. According to a community member, M. Meškauskas, just weeks earlier, people walking on the river's ice had failed to notice the hazards posed by dangerously fallen trees; however, the situation has recently changed with many such trees now visible. The community recalls a past flood where the Alanta River contributed to a larger flood in the Minija River due to ice jams that could not break free because of the fallen trees, raising concerns about the integrity of local infrastructure, including bridges.

In response to the current threat, the local men assessed the situation by employing a drone to survey the area. They specifically focused on removing trees that were downed onto the ice, noting that they avoided cutting any upright trees. The reason for the high number of fallen trees remains unclear, and one member suggested it could be related to past weather events. While the cleanup efforts were challenging, the community managed to break up the fallen trees to mitigate flooding risks. Meškauskas emphasized the difficulties their team faced while navigating the winding river, reflecting on their precarious situations as they occasionally fell through thin ice, indicating a need for caution in their efforts.

As of now, the water level of the Minija River stands at 1.32 meters, significantly lower than the previous year's flood level that peaked at 5.9 meters. This comparison highlights the continued risks associated with flooding in the region, prompting local community actions to prepare and respond proactively to natural threats.

📡 Similar Coverage