The Ministry of the Interior ordered a national-level red code valid until the measure is revoked from 8 a.m. on Wednesday due to the snow and extreme winter weather, announced Attila Fülöp, the state secretary responsible for care policy at the ministry.

At a press conference, the state secretary emphasized that under such weather conditions, the state has the duty to protect the personal integrity and property of citizens, and all necessary resources are provided for this.

Due to the emergency situation, special measures have also been introduced in the social welfare system, the primary purpose of which is to protect human life.

“This is a special procedure, the essence of which is the protection of lives in need,” explained Attila Fülöp.

“From 8 a.m., therefore, all social institutions and residential institutions are obliged to receive our compatriots in trouble, homeless, struggling with any problems due to the cold, who temporarily need crisis care,” he explained.

Ordering a code red means that social institutions must provide assistance even more widely and that they cannot reject anyone who is in danger because of freezing weather.

Europe has already been hit with cold weather in recent days, and snow has accumulated in a number of countries, such as Germany and Hungary. Heavy snowfall led to delays at Budapest Airport and a number of severe road accidents. However, more heavy snowfall is expected in the coming days, including temperatures reaching deeper into minus territory.

Now, up to 10 to 20 centimeters of fresh snow are predicted in the east of the country, with more forecast for certain locales.

Drivers are especially cautioned for more difficult road conditions in Tiszántúl, the Borsod area, the Tisza area, as well as in the western part of Transdanubia and Bakony.