NATO sending helicopters to help with flood relief
Brussels, 7 August - Prime Minister Robert Golob and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Monday discussed the provision of assistance to Slovenia following the devastating floods, with Stoltenber expressing solidarity with the people of Slovenia. NATO will send helicopters and excavators, among other things, Golob's office said.
Brussels, Belgium
NATO flag.
Photo: dpa/STA
File photo
After fellow NATO members also expressed readiness to help, Stoltenberg mentioned of the capabilities of Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC), NATO's main mechanism for civilian emergency response.
Slovenia has already requested assistance through this mechanism to deal with the consequences of the disaster, its requests including military helicopters and troops to carry out protection and rescue tasks.
Upon Slovenia's request, EADRCC immediately informed all 31 allies and 35 partners of Slovenia's needs and they responded with immediate support, including through "helicopters, modular bridges, excavators and engineering expertise", the press was told.
Spain offered one CH-47 heavy helicopter CH-47 with up to 25 personnel, including the crew and support staff. Allies are also providing aid within the framework of the EU and on a bilateral basis. NATO pointed to Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, and France. The US has sent personnel to Ljubljana to assess the situation and determine urgent humanitarian needs.
Prime Minister Golob expressed gratitude for all the support, especially for the heavy helicopters that are on their way to Slovenia. This is the type of emergency aid that Slovenia needs the most, in addition to heavy engineering equipment, officials said.
Golob informed Stoltenberg of the magnitude of the damage, which is unprecedented in Slovenia's recent history. Reconstruction will be challenging and time-consuming, and Slovenia is counting on NATO's continued support, which has also been pledged by the alliance.