BUDAPEST, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Hungary faced severe winter conditions on Wednesday as heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures disrupted transport nationwide, prompting authorities to activate a "red code" cold-weather alert and step up emergency response measures.
According to the national meteorological service HungaroMet, an additional 10 centimeters of snow fell overnight in many areas, on top of an earlier 5-10 cm snow cover. Snow depth has reached 15-25 cm across most of the country, with around 30 cm reported in parts of western and southwestern Hungary. Further snowfall and blowing snow are forecast, particularly in eastern and southeastern regions.
The red code alert entered into force at 8:00 a.m. Wednesday, requiring social institutions to admit people exposed to extreme cold regardless of standard procedures. Emergency services, police and disaster management authorities were placed on heightened alert, while road and public transport operators were instructed to prioritize access to hospitals, schools and other critical infrastructure.
In a video posted on his Facebook page early Wednesday afternoon, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said he had instructed Interior Minister Sandor Pinter to establish a governmental operational task force, adding that work had already begun. Pinter later reported that the task force was operational and that no settlements were currently cut off due to the weather.
Transport disruptions continued, with rail delays and flight disruptions reported. Traffic accidents increased by 20-25 percent, while hospitals recorded a similar rise in patient demand, according to the minister. Police, firefighters and disaster management units were deployed in large numbers, with additional patrols checking on elderly people living alone to prevent hypothermia during the night.
Weather services said precipitation is expected to ease and stop between Thursday night and Friday morning, followed by drier but significantly colder conditions. However, they warned that the Mediterranean cyclone responsible for the heavy snowfall remains volatile. ■
