Hungary activates 'red code' as heavy snow disrupts transport nationwide

Hungary faced severe winter conditions on Wednesday as heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures disrupted transport nationwide, prompting authorities to activate a "red code" cold-weather alert and step up emergency response measures.

According to the national meteorological service HungaroMet, an additional 10 centimeters of snow fell overnight in many areas, on top of an earlier 5-10 cm snow cover. Snow depth has reached 15-25 cm across most of the country, with around 30 cm reported in parts of western and southwestern Hungary. Further snowfall and blowing snow are forecast, particularly in eastern and southeastern regions.

The red code alert entered into force at 08:00 Wednesday, requiring social institutions to admit people exposed to extreme cold regardless of standard procedures. Emergency services, police and disaster management authorities were placed on heightened alert, while road and public transport operators were instructed to prioritize access to hospitals, schools and other critical infrastructure.

The severe winter storm has caused severe disruption across much of Hungary. In Budapest, icy and slippery roads have made daily commutes hazardous, forcing residents to weigh the risks of leaving home each day.

"Yesterday when I was trying to get home, this was like that deep in snow -- 20 centimeters easy. So cars were backing up on the hill, and there was no way (of) just going around. And, (I'm) praying do not slit and slide and crash or something," said Peter, a Budapest resident.

Earlier this week, emergency services responded to nearly 4,700 rescue calls in a single day, many involving traffic accidents and stranded vehicles.

Local officials said that crews will work around the clock to clear roads and keep critical routes open. Meanwhile, the city’s meteorological department has warned that the cold front will continue to sweep across the region.

The storm's impact is also evident on rail transport. At the city’s main train stations, departure boards showed widespread delays and cancellations.

"I just came from a 10-day retreat, and overnight we got 20 centimeters of snow. And, it took us hours and hours just to get out of the parking lot," said Aron, a train commuter.

Hungary activates 'red code' as heavy snow disrupts transport nationwide

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday reiterated his call for the United States and Israel to stop the war against Iran, and for Iran to stop attacking its neighbors.

Noting that the impacts of the conflict are being felt everywhere, Guterres warned that the world is on the edge of a wider war that would engulf the whole Middle East with dramatic impacts around the globe.

The secretary-general said that "the Middle East crisis has lurched into its second month", and warned that the scale of devastation, indiscriminate attacks, and targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure are all growing.

"My message is clear. To the United States and Israel, it is high time to stop the war that is inflicting immense human suffering and already triggering devastating economic consequences. To Iran, to stop attacking their neighbors. The Security Council has condemned these attacks and reaffirmed the need to respect navigational rights and freedoms along critical maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz. Conflicts do not end on their own. They end when leaders choose dialog over destruction. That choice still exists, and it must be made now," he said.

Guterres said diplomatic efforts are underway to find a peaceful path forward, which "deserve the space and support to succeed -- anchored firmly in international law, including the UN Charter".

UN chief renews call for U.S., Israel to stop war against Iran