BUCHAREST, Dec. 3 (Xinhua) -- Romania's emergency authorities have tapped into the state reserves of drinking water to support localities in two southern counties after a severe water-supply crisis disrupted access to potable water, the ministry of internal affairs said on Wednesday.
The National Committee for Emergency Situations (CNSU) approved a measure on Tuesday to release water from national reserves as a free humanitarian aid, following a drop in water levels at the Paltinu Dam.
The ministry said in a press release that the level decline, caused by planned hydrotechnical works, combined with heavy sediment and turbulence linked to recent hydrological events, forced the shutdown of the water supply to the localities.
Authorities said the measures aim to ensure basic living conditions until safe, clean water supply is restored.
The shutdown has affected more than 100,000 residents, local hospitals, and a power plant. ■