Raging wind causing one of the biggest natural disasters in Kočevsko

Unfavorable weather conditions continue to cause forest work delays in Kočevsko. After heavy snow in November, catastrophic wind stroke the area on 11 and 12 of December. Due to snow loads, especially in high altitude, access to the work grounds was unabled throughout November. In beginning of December, weather conditions shortly improved and work process continued until windsorm hit Kočevsko on 11 December. Based on the first estimates, 420 000 m3 of trees were brought down in Kočevsko alone, which makes it one of the biggest nature catastrophes ever hitting the area.

Even though forestry companies are working hard ever since to remove fallen trees, most of forest roads in Kočevsko still remain closed. Only 3 grouse feeding fences can currently be reached and all of them are heavily damaged. We are still waiting for the roads to clear and to hear news from other sites.

LIFE Kočevsko project activities are currently focused on accessible work sites, waiting for the weather to improve.

News and photo: SFS Kočevje.