Extreme weather in the southern part of the Grand Duchy - situation at 7 p.m. on Sunday

After a further visit by Minister of the Interior Taina Bofferding to the municipalities of Pétange and Käerjeng, the Government's Crisis Cell met again at 6 p.m., with the Minister on the chair and in the presence of Mayor Pierre Mellina and Alderman Frank Pirrotte, to take stock of the situation and decide on action to be taken in the coming hours and days.

The number of requests for intervention has increased substantially during the day. It has been possible to respond to half the requests so far. To maintain and increase the pace of work with support from the Army, it has been decided to keep the daytime teams on-site until dusk and increase the number of emergency service personnel to 180 firefighters from 25 fire and rescue centres and 3 special intervention groups. Since most interventions on roofs require the use of specialised equipment, it has been decided to increase the number of ladder vehicles and extending booms to a total of 14, while still ensuring sufficient operational cover throughout the rest of the Grand Duchy.

Traffic conditions are still difficult in the affected areas, partly as a result of rescue operations. Members of the public are asked not to travel to the affected areas unless it is absolutely necessary. The national police force is remaining in position, to keep the area secure.

Tonight, the municipalities of Pétange and Käerjeng will be continuing to provide hotel accommodation.

MeteoLux has drawn up weather forecasts for the coming hours.

The Crisis Cell is continuing to keep a close eye on the evolution of the situation. 

(Communicated by the Government's Crisis Cell / High Commission for National Protection)