The interim Minister of the Environment, Waters and Forests, Diana Buzoianu, on Saturday convened the ministerial committee for emergency situations (CMSU), established within the Ministry of Environment, Waters and Forests (MMAP).

According to a press release from the ministry, the extraordinary CMSU meeting was called following weather information and warnings, a Code Orange and a Code Yellow for meteorological and hydrological alerts issued by the National Meteorological Administration (ANM) and the National Institute of Hydrology and Water Management (INHGA).

The ministerial committee for emergency situations was chaired by Secretary of State Raul Pop.

'The convening of this CMSU was necessary given the hydrometeorological developments expected in the coming days, when the weather will cool significantly. Special attention is required in the counties where a Code Orange has been issued, as significant rainfall is forecast, in some cases within short intervals. We cannot rule out the occurrence of significant events, and precisely for this reason it is necessary to maintain the flow of information with all authorities. The National Administration Romanian Waters (ANAR) has informed us that it has already sent a notice for the pre-emptive lowering of reservoir levels in the areas under a Code Orange. We must ensure that local authorities receive all warnings and that the mayors in the affected areas are prepared in accordance with procedures. In addition, the National Meteorological Administration will issue, where necessary, nowcasting Code Red warnings on a case-by-case basis, so that the population can avoid areas where dangerous hydrometeorological phenomena may occur,' stated Secretary of State Raul Pop. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Nicoleta Gherasi; EN - writing by: Cristina Zaharia)