Severe weather: 72 evacuated from stuck train, Montenegro asks NATO for help

Podgorica, Montenegro (14 February 2012) – Late yesterday afternoon, after a complex operation in adverse weather conditions, the evacuation of people from the railway Kolašin- Podgrica was successfully completed. Seventy-two people in total, including 45 passengers, railway staff, two members of train police escort, members of the Special Police Unit, who came to help the passengers, and a TV cameraman, were stuck on the train since Friday.

A passenger (aged 55) died on Sunday on board the stuck train, most probably of a heart attack.

Most rural areas in the north of the country are still cut off due to snow drifts. The special police and army units are making extensive efforts to help the population and evacuate the citizens who require medical assistance.

Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare continues to provide help to endangered population and has delivered assistance in food and fuel for 2,134 families to date.

Although most roads in Montenegro are open to traffic, the authorities urge the citizens not to travel unless absolutely necessary.

According to official data, three people died after more than ten days of severe weather conditions in Montenegro.

Montenegro requested yesterday NATO’s help in special technical equipment for the rescue operations. Greece and Slovenia were the first two countries to respond to the call for help and they are to send a helicopter and a rescue team specialised for work in extreme conditions that will be available to Montenegro for as long as they are needed.