We conducted a very quick analysis of the de facto situation in the country regarding blizzard and snow and here are the conclusions. We have some emergencies in the country – in Ilfov, Giurgiu si Calarasi – where the gendarmes, the inspectorates for emergencies, the army are currently in the field, to intervene.
Ever since last evening, we asked the Ministry of National Defence, following discussion with Mr. Oprea and Madam Minister Boagiu to use the infrastructure of Defence Ministry, to help removing snow, where possible, with tracked tank and to intervene in major emergencies.
Currently, there are still people trapped in cars. We have a difficult situation at Uzum – Giurgiu, where the coach with people is trapped. I hope in maximum two hours, the gendarmes together with the Army can reach that place with what is necessary, to contact and back people. Unfortunately, it is an extremely difficult situation: snow level goes beyond three meters, one cannot stay outside because of blizzard, all is leveled, one cannot know what path to take, and we advance with difficulty. But I repeat the data we received now from Giurgiu are that emergency teams will reach in maximum two hours to provide them the necessary support.
The orange alert will be kept after 6.00 p.m. in some counties: Calarasi, Braila, Galati or Tulcea. We are waiting the confirmations. I say this because the blizzard does not stop across the country or in the respective areas, after 6.00 p.m., as it was initially announced.
So, we are still in an emergency situation in terms of interventions to save lives and, of course, to remove snow on roads where there are problems.
I also want people to know that after today's snowstorm and the night to come, there will be cold and frost and they must be prepared and do not leave the long way, do not make travel schedule than if they know that they can intervene in areas where frost is announced after this period of storm.
Now, I will go to the Ministry of Transport, because together with Minister Oprea and Minister Boagiu will coordinate all activities of snow removal by means of CNADR machinery - the Company of roads and highways - and the army, as in other areas, such as capital beltway or highways where we have vehicles stuck in traffic, to be able to support.
Hence, it is important, from the Ministry of Administration and Interior (MAI), through the emergency services, there is an attempt to reach people to give them food, water and fuel, to sit in cars, where necessary. Over 340 people were evacuated and placed in shelter during the night. Some refused. We hope that their situation is under control yet, because they still have fuel, but now this is what MAI does through specialized services: try to reach those who are in greatest need, to give again, food, water and fuel for those who sit in cars.
Emergency medical cases are concerned with the highest priority. Mr. Arafat will give you details about them and, currently, we hope not, God forbid, no tragedy occurs, because ambulances are on the way to reach these cases and to intervene in time. I will ask Mr. Arafat to present the emergency medical cases and at what stage are, then my colleagues to give you other details.
Reporter: Mr. Prime Minister (...).

PM Emil Boc: I will now be in a few minutes at the Ministry of Transport (MTI) and there, I will give you all the information on rail, the roads, and these situations, because I have meetings in the moments immediately following (at which I receive this information). Major priorities are here medical emergencies, saving lives where, unfortunately, we have problems. This is the task of command here: to coordinate, take the first decision and save the lives of people in need. For snow removal, I will give you immediately the information from MTI.

Reporter: The intercity train derailed in Fundulea area.

PM Emil Boc: Yes, we have data on these items. Obviously, we have taken measures on the emergency line, to ensure the presence of the specialists to give people first medical aid, if needed, and then obviously there are interventions with technical equipment.

Reporter: How many people are stuck at the national level?

PM Emil Boc: I do not think we can say a number. We know that there are 80 cars on the one hand, a coach on the other hand, cars on the capital beltway, which is in deadlock. The fact is that the gendarmes and those from emergency during the night, tried to reach and provide water and fuel. There were, as I said, 340 people evacuated and taken to shelters. Some refused to leave the car and they still are in contact with emergency services to protect them from the blizzard. By 6.00 p.m., the code still remains orange. After this hour, it still remains in few counties, as I mentioned. The frost comes tomorrow. So we must be extremely cautious and vigilant.

Reporter: Air traffic - any improvement? Mr. Hahn should come ...

PM Emil Boc: Unfortunately, Commissioner Hahn has postponed the visit to Bucharest; we were unable to have the meeting today. We will reschedule it. Thank you!
(…)