First signs of flooding in Šilutė region: water is already flooding fields and forests
The Šilutė region is experiencing initial flooding signs as water begins to inundate fields and forests due to rising water levels in local rivers.
According to municipal data, ice in the Atmatoje, Skirvytėje, and Pakalnėje areas has developed cracks, leading to flooding in low-lying areas where water is overflowing its banks. This has resulted in the inundation of meadows, fields, and forests. Additionally, the Minija River, from the Kintų ponds towards Mingė, is also seeing the formation of cracks in the ice, with reports indicating localized melting of ice.
Authorities are monitoring rising water levels in the main rivers of the district. In Kaunas county, discussions about the need for protective embankments are underway as floods begin to impact the area, and solutions are being sought in conjunction with the government. Notably, the water level in Leitė near Kūmynai has risen by 6 centimeters overnight, reaching 258 cm, while the Šyša River has experienced a shocking increase of 42 centimeters, currently standing at 214 cm.
Other areas also report significant increases in water levels, with the Nemunas-Atmatos-Rusnės stretch recording a 9-centimeter rise overnight to reach 275 cm, and a 17-centimeter increase in Minija near Lankupiai, now at 612 cm. The municipality emphasizes the fluctuating nature of the presented data, highlighting that the situation could change rapidly, necessitating ongoing observation and response efforts to mitigate flood risks.