Interior Minister Ivan Kubrakou has instructed the internal troops to make maximum use of heavy equipment to assist with snow removal and provide support to citizens during severe weather conditions. The decision was made following a conference call with the leadership of territorial internal affairs bodies and the State Traffic Inspectorate, the Interior Ministry’s press service reported.
By order of the minister, personnel of the Traffic Police and units involved in maintaining order on the roads and eliminating the consequences of the storm have been switched to an enhanced duty mode. A national operational-situational headquarters has been deployed at the Interior Ministry’s Main Traffic Police Directorate, with similar headquarters established in the regions. In addition to Traffic Police officers, these headquarters include representatives of public security police units and the Internal Troops of the Interior Ministry of Belarus.
Kubrakou instructed the leadership of the internal troops to deploy as many all-terrain vehicles, armored personnel carriers, “Volat,” “Tigr,” and other heavy machinery as possible to assist public utilities and citizens who find themselves in difficult situations. A separate task was set to provide snow-clearing assistance to pensioners and veterans.
It was also ordered to conduct an inventory of all available special equipment and place it at the disposal of the Traffic Police. The ministry noted that some road sections, including those of regional and national importance, will be closed for clearing.
In addition, instructions were given to ensure the removal of private vehicles from courtyards and road shoulders; abandoned cars will be towed. The ministry is coordinating with emergency services and industrial enterprises to attract additional machinery.
The Interior Ministry reminded drivers that in minor accidents they may use the European Accident Statement without calling the Traffic Police. Consultations are available via the 24-hour hotline 140.
