Lithuania’s government on Wednesday declared a nationwide emergency after weeks of heavy summer rains caused widespread crop losses, following a proposal from the National Crisis Management Centre and the Agriculture Ministry.

Deputy Agriculture Minister Andrius Palionis told the cabinet the decision was prompted by the fact that 13 municipalities had already declared local emergencies and that a nationwide declaration would give farmers more flexibility in meeting obligations.

“After assessing the Hydrometeorological Service’s report that the rainy period, which began in the north on May 29, later spread across the country – and that on some days in July rainfall exceeded even critical levels – we ask to declare an emergency,” Palionis said.

He said the declaration would help minimise damage by waiving certain deadlines and administrative requirements, allowing farmers to focus on harvesting. Agriculture Minister Kęstutis Navickas was appointed state operations commander for the emergency.

According to the ministry, some areas saw as much rain in a single day as they normally receive in a month. In July, average precipitation reached 167% of the monthly norm, with some locations seeing two or three times the usual amount. The rains damaged crops from winter wheat to potatoes, with some fields completely lost and others suffering reduced quality.

Local authorities estimate the prolonged rains destroyed or damaged 50% to 70% of harvests, affecting about 7,900 hectares. Without the emergency declaration, farms unable to meet their commitments due to the exceptional conditions could face penalties.

The Lithuanian Hydrometeorological Service said the heavy rainfall persisted for weeks in northern municipalities before extending to other parts of the country, including Anykščiai, Pakruojis, Rokiškis, Utena, Zarasai, Joniškis, Švenčionys, Biržai, Ignalina, Pasvalys, Kelmė, Radviliškis, Molėtai, Vilnius, Kaišiadorys, Šalčininkai, Varėna and Trakai.

Source - https://www.lrt.lt