Moldova Seeks Energy, Water Emergency Over Critically Low Dnister Levels

Moldova’s government will ask parliament to declare a state of emergency over energy and water supplies as critically low levels in the Dnister River threaten the country’s water and power security. Prime Minister Vasile Tofan said the government would submit the request on Tuesday following a meeting of the Security Council chaired by President Maia Sandu.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. The emergency measures would give authorities additional powers to respond to potential shortages of water, electricity and heating, while providing support to vulnerable households. “We can’t afford to wait for a crisis to start looking for solutions,” Tofan said, arguing that Moldova’s heavy reliance on imported gas, oil and electricity leaves it vulnerable to disruptions. Sandu said Moldova has increased its share of renewable energy but still lacks enough capacity to cover electricity demand during peak hours. “We need to be ready for any changes and provide solutions, no matter what is going on outside the country,” she said. The Dnister, which Moldova shares with Ukraine, has been running at unusually low levels for months. Last month, Moldovan and Ukrainian experts agreed to reduce flows through a Ukrainian hydropower station to allow more water for irrigation in Moldova. The situation was further complicated in March when a Russian missile strike hit the Novodnistrovsk Hydroelectric Power Plant in Ukraine’s Chernivtsi region, causing an oil spill that contaminated the Dnister River and spread downstream into Moldova Other Topics of Interest Moscow Fortifies Power Plant After Record Ukrainian Attack Concrete blocks are being placed around CHP-8, potentially to support anti-drone nets after the largest reported aerial assault on Moscow. The proposed emergency declaration comes as Moldova continues efforts to reduce its dependence on external energy supplies and strengthen its energy security. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 97% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.