Severe storms hit Bucharest and Ilfov, killing one and triggering over 900 emergency calls
A violent thunderstorm swept through Bucharest and Ilfov county on Tuesday evening, causing a fatal tree fall and more than 900 emergency calls to rescue services.
Storm onset
On Tuesday evening, a violent thunderstorm hit Bucharest and surrounding Ilfov county, bringing torrential rain, hail and wind gusts of up to 80 km/h. The National Meteorological Administration (ANM) issued a red code alert for extreme weather, valid until 00:50 on 1 July. Within roughly one hour, the temperature dropped from 38°C to 22°C as the cold front moved in.
Emergency response
By 23:30, the Bucharest-Ilfov emergency inspectorate (ISU) had logged 500 requests for intervention, with another 400 calls to the 112 emergency number still being processed. Rescue crews worked non-stop to clear fallen trees from roads and cars. Across the country, 48 RO-ALERT messages were sent to warn residents in 27 counties.
- Temperature drops from 38°C to 22°C as severe storm reaches Bucharest
- DSU reports 144 fallen trees, 26 damaged vehicles, one death across 18 counties and Bucharest
- Orange code warning in effect for Bucharest until 00:30, with wind gusts 60-80 km/h
- ISU Bucharest-Ilfov records 500 emergency requests and ~400 pending calls
- Red code alert expires
Fatal tree fall in Găneasa
The storm's only confirmed fatality was a 40-year-old man in Găneasa, Ilfov county. A large tree collapsed onto a moving vehicle, killing the passenger. The driver received medical care. ISU reported that the victim was trapped and had injuries incompatible with life when crews arrived.
Nationwide impact
According to the Department for Emergency Situations (DSU), the storms on 30 June affected 36 localities across 18 counties, in addition to Bucharest. Firefighters responded to 144 fallen trees, one downed utility pole, and removed roof elements from 24 buildings. In total, 26 vehicles were damaged. The Animawings flight A127 from Timișoara to Bucharest Otopeni was diverted to Craiova due to the weather.
- Fallen trees
- 144 count
- Damaged vehicles
- 26 count
- Damaged buildings
- 24 count
- Affected localities
- 36 count
Official warnings and recommendations
DSU chief Raed Arafat stressed the importance of heeding alerts and taking immediate shelter. He advised people to avoid areas with trees that could snap, especially during high winds.
We continue to recommend that the population, when messages are given, follow the recommendations carefully and apply them. If there is an evacuation recommendation, especially in areas where flash floods may occur, comply immediately with what authorities ask. It is very important to understand that such phenomena can also occur during the night and vigilance is crucial in regions exposed to floods.
He also noted that nowcasting allows authorities to send out RO-ALERT warnings in a very short time frame, and that on Tuesday three such alerts were issued for Ilfov and Bucharest. A red code for a heatwave also remains in effect for much of the country from 30 June to 1 July.
