Energy and water emergency declared in Moldova

A 60-day state of emergency in Moldova’s energy and hydrological sectors took effect on September 26.

The country’s parliament approved the measure on September 22.

The state of emergency is preventive in nature and is prompted by the simultaneous increase in several energy and water supply risks ahead of the cold season, according to a statement released by the Moldovan government.

Moldovan Prime Minister Vasile Tofan stressed that the authorities need tools to respond quickly to a potential crisis.

According to the government, the country has already secured by contract more than 90% of the natural gas needed for the cold season, but the final price will depend on further developments in the European market.

At the same time, Moldova has recorded a severe water shortage in the Dniester and Prut rivers. In recent weeks, the Novodnistrovsk Reservoir in Ukraine has received an average of about 23 cubic meters of water per second, while at least 60 cubic meters per second is needed.