Rescue mission launched for four citizens stranded at Călțun Refuge
Four Moldovan citizens remain stranded at the Călțun Refuge in Argeș County, Romania, as extreme weather conditions continue to batter the mountain range.
Four Moldovan citizens remain stranded at the Călțun Refuge in Argeș County, Romania, as extreme weather conditions continue to batter the mountain range.
Romanian authorities confirmed the hikers are in good health and have not required immediate medical assistance.
The mountain region is currently under a Red Code weather alert for extreme blizzard conditions, effective until Monday, December 29, at 10:00 AM. These severe conditions prevented rescue teams from reaching the site on Sunday.
Emergency evacuation mission underway
Salvamont Argeș organized a specialized evacuation operation starting early Monday morning. At 07:30 AM, a team stationed at the Capra Refuge began the arduous ascent toward the Călțun area to reach the stranded group.
An additional support team of five mountain rescuers departed from Pitești. These elite responders are equipped for high-altitude intervention in brutal conditions, facing wind gusts of up to 130 km/h and freezing temperatures.
Extreme conditions in the Southern Carpathians
The National Meteorological Administration (ANM) warned that altitudes above 1,700 meters are experiencing heavy snowfall and violent winds. These phenomena have reduced visibility to near-zero, significantly complicating the rescue efforts.
Salvamont representatives expressed hope that a brief window of improved weather will allow the mission to proceed safely. The Red Code alert remains active across 11 counties, specifically targeting the Southern and Curvature Carpathians.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
