Sutaj Estok: State Took Responsible Approach to Last Week's Windstorm

Margecany, 20 July (TASR) - The state took a responsible approach to the windstorm that took place early last week, causing damages in several parts of eastern Slovakia, Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok (Voice-SD) told a news conference in Margecany (Kosice region) on Saturday (19 July), rejecting claims that the state didn't act as it should have. "Immediately after the occurrence of this natural disaster, a field group of the Interior Ministry's crisis management section was activated, which participated in meetings of crisis management staffs in the affected regions, provided support to local governments and guidance in coordinating the crisis," stated Sutaj Estok, adding that material and technical aid was provided, too. He also thanked the professional and volunteer firefighters. The minister said that total damages caused by the windstorm currently amount to some €1 million and that they want to provide financial aid as soon as possible. He reiterated that the affected residents are eligible for humanitarian aid from the Labour and Social Affairs Ministry up to €1,500. Up to date, it has been provided to 190 households and another 56 applications are being assessed. Sutaj Estok urged citizens and local governments to apply for such aid as soon as possible if they are eligible for it. Concerning the reimbursement of the cost of rescue work, the deadline to submit applications will expire on Wednesday (23 July). "As soon as all the documents are complete and checked by the crisis management section, the material will be submitted to the government. Despite the fact that the government has 'a summer break' until August 20, I will contact the premier so that the government can decide on the payment of this financial aid per rollam [with government members not being physically present on one place-ed.note]," he said. At the same time he stressed that property insurance should not be underestimated. Eastern Slovakia was hit by strong winds and rain early last week, causing huge material damage to residents' property, infrastructure and transport networks. Dozens of towns and villages declared the state of emergency. ko