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Heavy snow blocks roads in western, central Slovakia

Xinhua, January 31, 2015 Adjust font size:

The highest first-level alert has been declared for roads in districts in Central Slovakia on Friday due to heavy snowfall.

Roads are being recovered by a considerable layer of snow only 15 minutes after being cleared, authorities say. The Donovaly mountain pass has been completely shut down to all traffic.

"Every piece of equipment is out in the field. Our work hasn't stopped since the morning. We're doing all we can," said Peter Jagos from Technical Services, which maintains road infrastructure in the districts of Ziar and Hronom.

Roads and pavements are covered by layers of slush.

In Western Slovakia, police have called on motorists to reconsider using their cars and to opt for rail transport instead.

According to the Trnava police operational centre, all roads in the region are difficult to navigate, with trees falling across some.

"We ask drivers to restrict the use of their cars to a minimum if possible," said Klaudia Izoldova of the Trnava police centre. Endit