Romania evacuation order lifted after Russian drone strike in Ukraine ignites LPG tanker

Romanian authorities have decided on Tuesday morning, November 18, to allow residents of Ceatalchioi to return to their homes.The LPG tanker, which caught fire on the Ukrainian side following an attack by a Russian drone near the river border with Romania, continues to burn, but the tanks have been cooled, and the risk of an emergency has been reduced.

Officials emphasized that there was no immediate danger from the fire. Romanian officials, however, said the fire prompted an immediate assessment by emergency services due to the proximity to Romanian territory.

“Given the proximity to Romanian territory and the nature of the cargo, the authorities have carried out an initial assessment of the situation” and decided to “preventively evacuate people and animals in the vicinity, a measure maintained until any risk for the population is eliminated,” Romania’s General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (IGSU) said on Monday, Nov. 17.

On Tuesday, the IGSU said the immediate danger near Ceatalchioi had been removed and residents were allowed to return, while some restrictions remained in place around Plauru.

“The forces of the Ministry of Internal Affairs are supporting the evacuated people and will provide assistance so that the 231 residents of Ceatalchioi can return safely