PM Golob: Two-thirds of country affected, damage to exceed EUR 500m
Ljubljana, 5 August - Two-thirds of Slovenia is affected by flash floods as the country is faced with the worst natural disaster in its history. Although last night was less severe, the damage is likely to exceed EUR 500 million, Prime Minister Robert Golob said on Saturday after a session of the National Security Council and ahead of a government session.
Ljubljana
Prime Minister Robert Golob speaking to the press about the flood relief effort on Friday, 4 August.
Photo: Katja Kodba/STA
Road and energy infrastructure has been hit particularly hard alongside hundreds of homes, he said, adding that it will take major efforts to restore normal life.
Črna na Koroškem, a town in a narrow valley in Koroška region, is still cut off from the rest of the world, with drinking water and equipment in short supply, which will be airlifted there, said Golob.
While shops are closed in Slovenia on Sundays, Golob said shops selling food and technical goods will remain open on Sunday and extend their opening hours.
Declaring an emergency is not necessary for now, he said, arguing the country has one of the best disaster relief and civil protection systems in Europe.
All politicians sitting on the National Security Council, which also features members of the opposition, agreed this is no time for divisions, but for united action, "so that our citizens can recover faster", said Golob, adding: "I want this political unity to last as long as possible."
The government is now in session discussing changes to the Natural Disaster Recovery Act to empower mayor to take emergency measures past the public procurement system.
Golob expects this legislative change to enable residents to get back to normal faster, while expecting parliament to pass the bill on Tuesday or Wednesday.