Storm uproots 8,000 cubic metres of timber in southern Lithuania

A storm that swept through southern Lithuania on Thursday evening uprooted and snapped about 8,000 cubic metres of timber, with the forests around Druskininkai and Varėna suffering the most, LRT reported.

The State Forest Enterprise said the greatest damage was recorded in pine forests, particularly in the forest districts of Merkinė, Leipalingis, Kapčiamiestis and Marcinkonys.

Foresters also went to a campsite by Lake Veisiejai on Friday morning, where uprooted and broken trees had cut off campers. A specialist from the Kapčiamiestis forest district involved in clearing the trees said none had fallen on tents or cars.

Workers are first removing and taking away uprooted and broken spruces because the damaged trees create favourable conditions for the spread of the typographer bark beetle. The measure is intended to reduce the risk of the pests spreading and protect nearby healthy spruce forests.

The State Forest Enterprise began clearing the storm damage in the forests it manages on Thursday evening, first removing dangerous debris and reopening blocked forest roads and access routes. The work continued on Friday as foresters inspected the affected areas, recorded fallen and broken trees, and organised further cleanup.

BNS reported that firefighters received about 50 calls concerning fallen trees overnight from Thursday to Friday.