Rains will last until June 27

The greater than average rainfall in recent days has affected hundreds of hectares of orchards and fields, displacing at least 5 families in the westernmost Moldovan village of Criva. According to forecasts, the rains will last until June 27 inclusive, with a gradually decreasing intensity, Info-Prim Neo reports. At a meeting of the governmental commission for emergencies, Civil Protection Service head Mihail Harabagiu informed that the villages of Criva and Drepcauti, in Briceni district, were yesterday at a risk of being completely flooded due to an abrupt rise in the level of the Prut River. Emergency interventions prevented the flooding. This morning the Prut's level was down 0.3 meters as measured upstream in Chernivtsi, yet no significant level changes were recorded on the Nistru. Moldova's Water Agency director Ion Lupu said the normal retention level at the Costesti-Stinca dam on the Prut is 90.8 meters, whereas the river's level has grown to 91.15 meters following the heavy rains. “There are practically 5 centimeters left and we have to open the debit to 400-500 cubic meters per second. Following consultations this morning, the Romanian side insists we should keep the debit to 400 cubic meters per second, but we suggest at least 530”, said Ion Lupu, adding that commissions from both sides are expected to meet later today to come to an agreement. Ion Lupu went on to add that the current condition of the internal reservoirs is alarming due to their advanced state of weariness, which could lead to dam leaks and ruptures. Moldova's chief weatherman Ilie Boian said the rainfall in recent days amounted to 50-82% of the monthly average. “The rains will last until June 27, but the tendency is downward”, said Ilie Boian.