The Centre for Operations Management of Emergency Situations has declared an emergency in the Šilutė municipality, affecting six areas: Usėnai, Juknaičiai, Rusnė, Šilutė, Kintai, and Sauga. Mayor V. Laurinaitis reported that many households, predominantly occupied by elderly residents, are currently inundated, with floodwaters covering an area of 4,000 hectares. The situation remains uncertain due to the ongoing ice conditions in the Curonian Lagoon, which could lead to further complications.

Despite there being no ice left in the rivers, the lagoons from Ventės Ragas to Nida remain frozen, raising concerns over possible ice jams. To address these issues, the Lithuanian army, in collaboration with hydrologists from the Lithuanian Hydrometeorological Service, is conducting an engineering survey of the water sources in the Šilutė district to assess the necessity of ice detonation. This operation began on Tuesday and officials expect the assessment to take considerable time to complete.

The declaration of an emergency is a significant measure reflecting the severity of the flooding impacting local residents and their properties. As authorities consider drastic measures like ice detonation, the safety and well-being of the affected populations, particularly the elderly, remain a priority as they navigate the immediate threats posed by flooding and potential ice hazards.