Lithuania’s emergency hotline sees surge in calls during air threat alerts

Lithuania’s Emergency Response Centre (BPC) reported a sharp increase in calls to the 112 emergency number last week as air raid warnings were issued in parts of the country, LRT.lt writes.

Over the week, operators received more than 38,000 calls—up from around 34,000 the previous week—with peak call volumes coinciding with high-threat alerts. On May 20, when a red-level air threat warning was declared in the Vilnius region and residents were instructed to seek shelter, the BPC handled 482 calls directly related to the alert. The following day, a similar warning in Utena County triggered 161 calls.

At times, call volumes more than doubled, from the usual 120 calls every 15 minutes to nearly 300. Most callers sought clarification on safety procedures—where to find shelters, how to interpret alerts, or whether the threat was real—rather than reporting immediate emergencies. Many admitted feeling anxious or uncertain, turning to 112 as a trusted source of information.

“Last week’s events showed that in such situations, people experience significant anxiety and uncertainty,” said Jelena Montvilienė, deputy head of the BPC. “The majority of calls were not about direct assistance but about verifying information—whether the threat was real, how to act, or where to find shelter.”

Since May 1, the BPC has received 299 reports of suspicious flying objects, likely drones, with 252 of those coming after May 20. On May 20 alone, 80 such reports were logged. Montvilienė noted that public sensitivity to drones and unidentified aerial objects has risen sharply, though some sightings may involve civilian devices. All reports are assessed and forwarded to relevant authorities.

The BPC reminded the public that the 112 hotline is reserved for reporting crimes, immediate threats to life, health, safety, property, or the environment, and for summoning emergency services. Overloading the system with non-urgent calls during crises could delay responses to real emergencies.

“In these situations, it’s crucial to stay calm and use emergency numbers responsibly,” Montvilienė stressed. “Panicked overuse of 112 could overwhelm the system, making it harder for services to respond to actual emergencies. Experience from Ukraine shows that during crises, both institutional preparedness and public composure—following official updates and using help channels wisely—are vital.”

Residents receiving threat alerts are advised to follow instructions without assessing the credibility of the danger themselves. Official updates are broadcast on Lithuania’s national radio and television (LRT). For civil defence, fire safety, or radiation protection queries, a free consultation line (1856) is available through the Fire Protection and Rescue Department.