Kathrine Frich
Authorities in an EU state have begun removing residents from two river communities after a nearby drone strike triggered fears of a major explosion.
The evacuation came as the conflict in Ukraine spilled dangerously close to its border.
Officials activated emergency protocols overnight while fire crews assessed the risk on site.
Sudden evacuation
According to Ziare.com, residents living along the Danube were told to leave after a drone attack on the Ukrainian port of Izmail set a vessel carrying liquefied petroleum gas on fire.
The ship was close enough to the border that emergency teams warned the blaze could escalate.
The county’s emergency inspectorate announced that the nature of the cargo created a significant hazard.
Local authorities and the Ministry of Internal Affairs agreed to remove people and livestock from nearby villages until the danger had passed.
A specialised fire service unit was deployed to monitor the scene and track any changes in conditions.
Officials issue warnings
In a statement, ISU Tulcea said:
“Following the drone attack carried out on Ukrainian territory last night, a ship loaded with LPG was engulfed in flames in the area of Ismail.” The agency explained that teams had conducted an initial assessment and determined that preventive evacuation was necessary.
The agency added that the County Committee for Emergency Situations had been activated to coordinate the response and maintain constant oversight.
As crews continued reconnaissance missions, local officials urged residents to follow instructions and remain away from the affected area.
Residents flee on short notice
G4Media reported that around 20 people were living in one of the villages at the time. Daniela Tănase, a local resident, said:
“Those who have cars are going alone to Ceatalchioi, the neighboring village. I have already left with my husband because the authorities told us to leave.”
She added that emergency vehicles were already arriving to evacuate people without transport.
At the same time, the mayor of a nearby settlement, Tudor Cernega, told Antena3 CNN that several residents had already been moved:
“We evacuated a few, we’re taking about five more. I understand that those in Ukraine have also evacuated. We are here, with the ISU crew,” he said.
Drone strikes fuel fear
The Ministry of National Defense said new Russian drone attacks on Ukrainian territory near the border caused widespread alarm.
Residents contacted emergency services after hearing multiple loud blasts during the night.
Although defense systems tracked targets in the vicinity, officials said there was no violation of national airspace.
An RO-Alert notification was issued at 02:30 to inform the population about the risk and reassure them that the situation was being monitored.
The evacuation remains in effect as authorities continue to evaluate the threat posed by the burning vessel and its volatile cargo.
This article is made and published by Kathrine Frich, who may have used AI in the preparation
