Lithuania declares state of emergency after severe storm

Lithuania has declared a state of emergency across the country following a severe storm that swept through on Saturday, leaving a significant portion of the population without power and causing substantial damage to the agricultural sector. The decision was made by the government on Wednesday as efforts continue to restore essential services.

According to the latest data from "Energijos skirstymo operatorius" (ESO), around 69,000 consumers are still without electricity. President Gitanas Nausėda remarked that the weekend storm provided valuable lessons, exposing the nation's vulnerabilities. He emphasized the need for greater financial investment and attention towards ensuring citizens can acquire electric generators, suggesting that battery solutions are not always sufficient.

“

The storm that ravaged Lithuania over the weekend provided quite a few good lessons and showed where the country's weak spots are.

The President expressed his expectation that all emergency services are working efficiently to clear the storm's aftermath. He stressed the importance of the state being better prepared for potential natural challenges to minimize inconvenience to residents during recovery efforts. Meanwhile, the government has approved its work program for the upcoming parliamentary session, which includes updating the National Security Strategy and preparing for potential increases in migration flows.

“

We saw that battery solutions are far from always justified, much more financial resources and attention should be devoted to ensuring that everyone who wants to can equip themselves with electric generators.

Separately, the Seimas's Anti-Corruption Commission failed to convene due to a lack of quorum, preventing a discussion on alleged improper hiring practices within the Kaunas district municipality and its subordinate institution, "Raudondvario dvaras." Several members, including those from the Social Democratic Party, were absent, leading to speculation that their absence was intentional. This follows a report alleging that the Prime Minister's spouse secured a position without a public competition.

In international news, Lithuania was informed of an unannounced visit by the head of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to Moscow on Tuesday. Other global events include a devastating flood and mudslide on the Nepal-Tibet border, a peace agreement between Meta and 29 US states concerning child harm on its platforms, and a shift in Hungary's official stance towards Russia.

“

The state must prepare for possible natural challenges in such a way that the liquidation of consequences causes as little inconvenience to residents as possible.