The lifting of the state of emergency in Loznica is expected

“A state of emergency was declared in 11 municipalities, lifted yesterday in Vladimirci, and it is expected, at least according to announcements, that it will also be lifted today in Loznica,” Dačić told RTS.

He stated that, according to data presented at yesterday’s session of the Republic Emergency Response Headquarters, which he chaired, around 13,000 households in Serbia were without electricity, although that number is likely lower today.

Dačić said that due to heavy snowfall in certain municipalities and cities, there were problems with electricity supply and road accessibility, and in some municipalities, issues were caused by rising river levels, such as the Drina and Lim.

“At the Headquarters session, it was stated that the main reason for almost all faults in the power grid was trees falling onto power lines, and it was discussed how to prevent this from happening again. Everyone engaged in their respective activities should anticipate and record potential problems to ensure they do not recur year after year. Just as we have a risk map and make plans based on it, expectations should also be created in all sectors identifying risks that should be avoided,” Dačić said.

He noted that due to the period of extremely low temperatures and heavy snowfall, as well as freezing rain at ground level, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Emergency Response Sector issued two warnings, on January 3 and 6, informing all ministries, enterprises, and others about what could happen so that they would be prepared.

“Citizens were also warned on January 4 about all these hazards and the occurrence of freezing rain during the period from January 5 to 7,” Dačić said.

He added that the Emergency Response Sector delivered 19 generators to local governments, partly provided by the Directorate for Commodity Reserves and the Serbian-Russian Humanitarian Center, as well as by the Emergency Response Sector itself.

The minister stated that there were 109 interventions involving 241 firefighters with 111 vehicles, pumps, and boats, and that 40 people were evacuated.