Total of 34 Emergencies Still Declared Due to Weather

Gelnica, 11 July (TASR) - Due to the bad weather from the beginning of this week, there are still currently 34 emergencies in place in towns and villages in Slovakia, Interior Ministry State Secretary Michal Kalinak told a press conference in Gelnica (Kosice region) on Friday, adding that the situation has been stabilised, however. The ministry has extended the deadline for reimbursing costs until 23 July. Both humanitarian aid and assistance under the Civil Protection Act have been activated. According to head of Gelnica District Office Anton Basniar, there is no reason for municipalities or individuals to fear that they won't be reimbursed for rescue work during the emergency. He pointed out that aid for citizens is provided via individual municipalities. "Our workers in the field, along with the district office, check the citizens who are reported [as requiring aid]. Humanitarian aid is up to €1,500 per family and household. We've received 138 individual applications to date, and 40 have already been sent the money or the money is on its way," said Labour, Social Affairs and the Family Centre (UPSVR) head Peter Ormandy. According to Basniar, critical infrastructure has already been made safe. All roads and railways are clear, and electricity and drinking or hot water supplies are available throughout the district. am/df