site.btaFresh Wave of Siberian Cold Heads for Romania, Winter Claims First Victims

A Siberian cold spell is approaching Romania, the National Meteorological Administration has warned. A fresh wave of snow, ice and strong winds is set to grip the country over the weekend.

Early on Friday morning, Bucharest woke up under a new blanket of snow, with thermometers in the Romanian capital showing minus 10°C. Signs alerting people to falling snow and icicles have been placed outside some hypermarkets.

A yellow code warning for hazardous weather has been issued for Northern and Eastern Moldova, where temperatures are expected to range between minus 19°C and minus 8°C. Cold conditions are also forecast for Dobrogea, Muntenia and parts of Oltenia.

The cold in Romania has already claimed its first victims. A 65-year-old man from Timisoara died of hypothermia beside his wife, who suffers from mental illness, local media reported. A 36-year-old woman in Targu Mureș also died from exposure.

The number of homeless people seeking assistance is also rising. Local authorities in Bucharest are offering shelter in municipal facilities and are distributing blankets, food and hot tea to those who refuse accommodation.