Slovenia avoids worst-case scenario despite some rivers overflowing their banks

(Patria) - Due to heavy rainfall in Slovenia, rivers have swollen, some have overflowed their banks, but the worst-case scenario in the country's risk areas has been avoided.

Sirens sounded in several municipalities along the Drava river. The water level in the lower Drava river slowly increased during the night, and the area below Lake Ptuj was flooded to a somewhat greater extent, said duty hydrologist at the Environment Agency Andrej Golob, local media reported.

In the past 24 hours, a total of 175 interventions were recorded due to severe weather accompanied by wind, heavy showers, and floods, mostly in the area of Kranj, followed by Nova Gorica, Slovenj Gradec, Ljubljana, and Koper, reports Anadolu.

Meanwhile, strong winds and huge waves caused devastation in Piran, one of Slovenia's most picturesque coastal towns, on Friday evening. Several establishments near the sea were destroyed, while some streets were closed to traffic.

Strong winds also carried away roofs and felled trees, and several roads were impassable due to landslides. Power outages also occurred due to the storm.

According to meteorologists' forecasts, there will be partial clearing during the day today. In the evening, a southwest wind will blow, and during the night, rain from the west will once again affect the entire Slovenia, according to the Environment Agency (Arso).

Croatia also suffered significant damage in the region, as facilities along the sea were damaged in the Split area. In Šibenik, the wind also uprooted trees and caused material damage.

Storm “Ciarán”, which hit northwestern Europe with heavy showers and wind gusts of up to 200 kilometers per hour, claimed at least seven lives, damaged buildings, closed schools, canceled flights, and disrupted or hindered power supply and traffic in many areas.