Villages on the border with Ukraine are being evacuated in Romania: an LNG tanker is on fire

The Romanian authorities today, on November 17, decided to evacuate the settlement of Plauru in Tulcea county after a vessel carrying 4 thousand tons of liquefied gas was allegedly attacked by a drone off the coast of Ukraine.

The Orinda tanker entered the Sulin Canal of Romania on November 14 and is now located on the territory of Ukraine about 300 meters from houses on Romanian territory. According to local media, a fire started on the ship, and authorities believe that there is a risk of a large explosion.

The emergency response forces have been put on high alert, and the Romanian authorities are currently analyzing options for action.

According to preliminary information, the village of Plauru will be completely evacuated. This option was also requested by the Ukrainian side, given that the cargo of liquefied gas could lead to an explosion with devastating consequences on both sides of the border. In the neighboring village of Chatalkioi, 15 people have already been taken out. Romanian rescuers note that the mission continues. It is expected that about 150 people will be evacuated from there. This measure will be in effect until the threat to the population is eliminated.

"We checked house by house, brought out the animals. Traffic is blocked, the danger is huge. This is a very serious measure, an explosion can occur at any time. To prevent the possible death of people or animals, a perimeter of at least two kilometers was created," Chatalkioi Mayor Tudor Chernega said.

In 2023, the Romanian military began building shelters to protect the population. Shelters were erected in the area of the fall of several drones. The Romanian Ministry of National Defense announced the adoption of this measure in accordance with the decision of the National Emergency Committee

Another attack by Russian drones on Ukrainian facilities took place this night. The Romanian Ministry of National Defense has confirmed that no unauthorized incursions into the national airspace have been recorded.