Labour Ministry: 315 Households Received Humanitarian Aid Following Windstorm

Gelnica, 4 August (TASR) - The Labour, Social Affairs and the Family Ministry has so far approved and disbursed humanitarian financial aid totalling more than €400,000 for 315 households in eastern Slovakia that were affected by a windstorm in early July, Labour Minister Erik Tomas (Voice-SD) told a news conference on Monday. According to Tomas, most households received the maximum possible amount of €1,500. Respective labour offices obtained some 360 applications, but in some cases the conditions for providing aid set by law haven't been met. Several more applications are still being assessed at the moment. The minister pointed out that local authorities can also ask for financial contributions of up to €15,000. "However, the money must only be used for private individuals, meaning citizens. We've registered nine such applications up to date," he said, adding that some applicants weren't eligible for the aid, as the contribution shouldn't serve to restore public property, but to cover basic needs of people. Tomas also mentioned that the aid is also available in the form of sending unemployed people to restore private or public property through so-called activation work. They want to discuss further options through other programmes with local authorities. In addition to humanitarian aid, financial aid for rescue work was also provided to local authorities through the Interior Ministry. Provision of further aid will be decided by the government after assessing the damage. Eastern Slovakia was hit by strong winds and heavy rain in early July, causing significant damage to property, infrastructure, and transport networks. A state of emergency was declared in dozens of towns, including the entire Gelnica district. In connection with the aftermath of strong winds, the parliamentary public administration and regional development committee should hold its away-from-home session in Gelnica on Wednesday (6 August). It was initiated by the opposition Progressive Slovakia (PS), Christian Democrats (KDH) and Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) parties. Media reports indicating that the state aid coming too late and in insufficient volume should be on the agenda of the session. ko/mcs