Bitter Winter Tightens its Grip over Croatia, Traffic Paralyzed

Siberian-style winter weather, which arrived in Croatia a few days ago, is still gripping the country, notably its south, which is why a state of emergency was declared in Split-Dalmatia County on Saturday and the local authorities held meetings with the Croatian Army representatives on the engagement of army troops, if necessary, in rescue operations.

We discussed plans for the engagement of helicopters, Deputy County Prefect Luka Brcic told the media on Saturday afternoon.

Imotski and Vrgorac in the hinterland of Split were hit by snowstorms and access to mountainous villages was severed by snowdrifts several meters high. The state road towards the coastal town of Makarska was closed due to ice and snowstorms.

Snow, ice and avalanches obstructed traffic, notably in the south of Croatia, unaccustomed to heavy snow and freezing temperatures. Inclement weather also caused problems in the provision of power. On Saturday morning, electricity outages were reported in the areas of Dubrovnik, Makarska, Ploce, Hvar, and other coastal regions.

Two icebreakers were engaged on the Drava River in Osijek, eastern Croatia, to prevent the creation of ice barriers.

Snowstorms and low temperatures are also causing problems for traffic and power supply in other parts of Croatia. A majority of bus lines as well as ferry services have been cancelled.  (radio.net)