Danube over dangerous level in several towns. No real danger, authorities say

The Danube flow at the entrance to Romania has risen by approximately 50% over the last few days, above the multi-annual average of April, to 12,000 cubic metres per second. The authorities, however, say there is no real danger of floods caused by the Danube. According to the forecast of the Control Room of Portile de Fier I (Iron Gates I) hydropower plant, the Danube flow at the entrance to the country will reach 13,900 cubic metres per second, a level that compares with the figure attained in 1970, when the river did not have the improvements it has today. The annual average of April is 7,900 cubic metres per second, with the current flow pushing the authorities to take a series of steps to prevent floods. “(Judging) from our estimates, the areas by the sides of the river will not be that gravely affected,” said Environment Minister Sulfina Barbu, who pointed out that preventive measures had been taken since as early as two weeks ago, and that there was a clear picture of the households and objectives, which are supposed to be affected. Authorities in Dolj County are on alert, after the Danube exceeded the dangerous level by ten centimetres at Calafat and by six centimetres at Bechet, while two sections of DJ 556 (county road 556) Calafat – Ciupercenii Vechi have been flooded. Authorities can keep the situation in the Danube Delta under control, and overflowing by the time the flash flood arrives will not be dramatic, said President Traian Basescu, who explained that even the population “has a different readiness level” for such situations. ZF