Some trees have been uprooted, others have broken trunks and large branches dangerously hanging over graves. Until the storm damage is cleared, visiting the cemetery requires extreme caution.
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Justina Indulytė, communications specialist at AB “Panevėžio specialus autotransportas,” said that the company’s employees began removing the storm damage immediately after the disaster. However, only after inspecting the areas did the true extent of the damage become clear.
According to her, in the Šilaičiai cemetery, trees fell directly onto graves, damaging monuments, tombstones, and other grave structures. The first to be removed are trees and broken branches that pose a danger to visitors, and paths and access roads blocked by fallen trees are cleared.
“Right now, a lot of trees have actually fallen on the graves themselves and damaged the monuments,” said J. Indulytė.
Only after removing the fallen trees will it be possible to accurately determine how many graves were affected and the extent of the damage. Subcontractors are also expected to assist with the grave maintenance work.
According to J. Indulytė, removing the storm damage may take at least a couple of weeks, but the final deadline will be determined after assessing all the damage and the complexity of the work.
Fallen trees on graves in Šilaičiai cemetery
Vitalija from Panevėžys said that her relatives’ graves were not damaged by the storm, but seeing the fallen trees and damaged graves shocked her.
“There are no words, no comments. My heart is breaking,” said Vitalija.
The woman admitted that it is impossible to completely protect against a strong storm, but the condition of the trees growing in the cemetery needs to be constantly assessed.
“They could definitely control those trees. They really, as they say, fall, break, and so on,” she said.
Concerns about old trees in the Christ the King Cathedral cemetery
The storm also spared no mercy in the Christ the King Cathedral cemetery. Here, trees and branches also broke, graves were damaged, and people are worried whether there are more dangerously leaning trees in the area.
Marius, met at the Christ the King Cathedral cemetery, said the damage caused by the disaster could be very large. According to him, trees growing in old cemeteries should be maintained with particular care.
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“The losses are huge. These are old cemeteries and they need to be maintained. Old trees caused damage to people, damaging monuments,” said Marius.
Lina, met in the same cemetery, said that her relatives’ graves remained intact this time, but after the storm, she felt unsafe in the area.
“Of course, especially regarding the graves. Look, old trees are hanging. They should especially review those old trees,” said Lina.
Cemetery visitors are urged not to approach leaning trees, broken trunks, and hanging branches. Dangerous trees should be reported to cemetery caretakers, and in case of immediate threat, call the emergency number 112.
Damage also done in Panevėžys district cemeteries
The storm also spared no mercy in the cemeteries of Panevėžys district. In the Ramygala cemetery in Panevėžys district, broken trees damaged monuments and tombstones.
Storm damage was also recorded in the Šilagalys cemetery and the Šlikai cemetery in the Velžys eldership. Elders are organizing cleanup work, inspecting affected areas, and assisting residents in contacting responsible services if necessary.
Million-euro losses counted across Lithuania
The storm that hit Lithuania over the weekend has already caused more than 3 million euros in losses to residents and businesses. Insurers have received more than 3,000 damage reports, but these numbers are expected to grow.
Most damage is recorded in property and CASCO insurance areas. Strong winds and heavy rainfall damaged buildings, cars, roofs, solar panels, greenhouses, and other residents’ property.
Insurers urge to document storm damage with photos as soon as possible and contact their insurance company. This is also important for residents who have noticed damaged monuments, tombstones, or other property in cemeteries.
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