Storms fell over 150,000 cubic meters of timber across Lithuania, foresters warn of danger

Lithuania's forests are reeling from the impact of a severe storm, the most powerful of the year, which has uprooted an estimated 150,000 cubic meters of timber nationwide. Valdas Kaubrė, the Director General of the State Forest Enterprise, described the storm's scale as unprecedented, affecting virtually every region of the country.

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This storm is exceptional and certainly the strongest this year, as it has affected all regions, all districts. The scale is truly enormous.

While previous storms had localized damage, this recent event scattered fallen trees across the landscape, with a significant number obstructing or falling onto roads. "Trees fell everywhere," Kaubrė stated, emphasizing that while large concentrated areas were spared, the widespread nature of the damage presents a considerable challenge. The immediate priority for foresters is clearing roadways to ensure access for emergency services and residents, alongside ongoing efforts to manage the fallen timber and resume economic activities.

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More than 150,000 cubic meters of wood were felled throughout Lithuania.

The State Forest Enterprise has mobilized its own staff and contracted workers to address the aftermath. "We have the capacity, both our own and from contractors," Kaubrė explained. The process involves assessing damaged areas, obtaining necessary permits, and commencing cleanup operations swiftly. This speed is crucial to prevent pest infestations and the spread of damage to surrounding forests. Efforts are underway to salvage as much usable timber as possible, with wood unsuitable for industrial use being directed to biofuel production.

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Trees fell everywhere. We can probably be glad that there are no large concentrated areas of fallen trees, but individual trees have fallen everywhere.

Despite the cleanup efforts, foresters are urging the public to exercise extreme caution and avoid visiting wooded areas. Kaubrė warned of the danger posed not only by fallen trees but also by "hanging trees" that could collapse at any moment. The most significant timber losses have been reported in the Kaunas district and Kazlų Rūda, with considerable damage also occurring in the Biržai and Anykščiai regions. The warning underscores the ongoing risks present in the forests as recovery work continues.

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A large part of them are on or next to roads, so our main concern is to clear the roads first.