Over 130 settlements in blackout

More than 130 settlements in 14 Moldovan districts remained in the darkness after the strong winds damaged electric power lines yesterday and last night. Dorina Cruc, spokeswomen for the Civil Protection and Emergencies Service, told Info-Prim Neo that over 130 settlements were in the darkness this morning. Orhei district was the most affected as the winds left 20 settlements there in blackout. It is followed by Calarasi district with 19 settlements in darkness, Hancesti – 13, Causeni, Ungheni, Glodeni – by 12, Rezina – 8, Sangerei – 7, Anenii-Noi – 6, Rascani, Fslesti, Stefan-Voda – by 5 settlements. The strong winds took out 417 slates and destroyed 29 cubic meters of lumber on the roof of kindergarten No. 5 in Gotesti village Cantemir district. The damage is estimated at more than 91,000 lei. Besides the damage caused by the bad weather, a fire destroyed equipment at the sunflower oil factory in Ciadar-Lunga town. The fire broke out as a result of welding works. Dorina Cruc warns the ice is melting gradually and fishing and walking on icy surfaces is not recommended. According to the Hydrometeorology Service, the temperatures today will vary between + 3 - +8 degrees Celsius. The wind will blow at a speed of 7 – 12 meters per second. By Sunday, the weather will grow colder. There will be around +2 degrees Celsius.