Mar 17 • 13:24 UTC 🇱🇹 Lithuania Lrytas

Due to rising water levels - emergency situation in six municipalities of Šilutė district

An emergency situation has been declared in six municipalities of the Šilutė district due to rising water levels, although the mayor assures that the situation remains stable.

The Šilutė district municipality's emergency operations center has declared an emergency situation in six municipalities: Usėnai, Juknaičiai, Šilutė, Rusnė, Kintai, and Sauga due to rising water levels. The decision comes amidst concerns about ice flowing into the Curonian Lagoon, potentially causing water levels to rise rapidly if blockages occur. Despite these concerns, Mayor V. Laurinaitis reassured that the situation in the district remains stable at the moment.

The current water level appears to have stabilized, although there are indications that levels may be rising in the area of Uostadvaris. Authorities are considering measures to manage the ice in the Curonian Lagoon to prevent any blockages that could exacerbate the flooding situation. The mayor highlighted that there have been no reports from residents about the flooding, likely because it is an annual occurrence that they have adapted to, although he noted that prolonged conditions could lead to more serious problems.

Residents in at-risk areas have been advised to stay alert, and emergency services are prepared to respond should conditions worsen. While the community is accustomed to such seasonal flooding, continuous monitoring and efficient management by local authorities will be crucial in ensuring public safety and minimizing disruption as they navigate this recurring environmental challenge.

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