Mar 16 • 07:36 UTC 🇱🇹 Lithuania Lrytas

Flood in Kėdainiai: Ice jam blocks river, massive flooding begins

Kėdainiai is experiencing severe flooding due to an ice jam blocking the river, prompting emergency warnings and significant property damage.

In Kėdainiai, Lithuania, the water level has risen to 28.35 meters, causing dangerous flooding in the area. The situation has worsened with the Šušvė River near Josvainiai also reaching critical levels. The National Crisis Management Center has reported rising water levels across many regions of Lithuania, indicating a widespread issue. These conditions have raised concerns about potential dangers and challenges for local residents.

On Sunday evening, residents of Kėdainiai received urgent flood warnings on their mobile phones, initiated by the local government. This preemptive communication was aimed at notifying residents of the flooding threat effectively. Residents' feedback confirmed that many were aware of the situation thanks to these alerts, although the efforts to prepare for the flood could not prevent significant losses, with basements inundated in less than half an hour. Local officials are still assessing the damage and ensuring that the community remains informed and prepared for any further complications.

Officials emphasized the importance of emergency communications and the need to alert residents in at-risk areas, especially those who may not be officially registered but live in vulnerable spots. This incident underscores the challenges of disaster management in regions prone to flooding, highlighting the urgency for continuous improvement in warning systems and community preparedness to mitigate the impacts of severe weather events.

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