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
A session of the National Security Council, an advisory body, discussing the latest reports on the floods that hit two-thirds of the country.
Photo: Boštjan Podlogar/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 completely cut off, with drinking water and equipment in short supply, which will be airlifted there, said Golob.
While shops are closed on Sundays, those selling food and hardware will remain open tomorrow and extend their opening hours to speed up rehabilitation efforts, he said.
Golob does not find declaring an emergency necessary for now, arguing the country has one of the best disaster relief and civil protection systems in Europe.
Both Golob and President Nataša Pirc Musar thanked all those taking part in relief and rescue efforts for their good and dedicated work.
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.
Golob said that "I want this political unity to last as long as possible".
Similarly, Pirc Musar said she "is extremely happy that the opposition is here with us, that we have national consciousness to work together to do what can be done in this difficult times".
She reiterated her message to Slovenian residents that they are not alone, "that the Republic of Slovenia with all of its resources will do what it can" to help.
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.
The National Security Council discussed reports by Civil Protection, the Civil Protection and Disaster Relief Administration, and the defence and interior ministries.
Pirc Musar said that over the past 48 hours more than 3,000 events have been recorded in 145 of Slovenia's 212 municipalities, while 121 people were evacuated with a helicopter. "These figures, of course, speak of the terrible proportions of the catastrophe which Slovenia has not yet witnessed since its independence."
The president has been rang up by her counterparts from Croatia, Hungary and Kosovo.
"Neighbouring countries in particular follow what is going on in our country," she said, adding that several countries have offered help, but Slovenia will decide what exactly it needs.
The president also urged people to help in relief efforts once the waters have receded. The government will produce a detailed plan, but post-flood efforts will also require solidarity, she said, calling on everyone to help.