Presov to Declare Emergency over Land Subsidence in Solivary Area

Presov/Bratislava, 26 February (TASR) - The city of Presov will declare a state of emergency on Friday (27 February) in the Presov I - Solivary mining area, due to land subsidence caused by historical salt mining, TASR learnt on Thursday. The measure is intended to allow experts to enter private land in order to prepare a study. A coordination meeting was held at the Presov City Hall on Thursday, also attended by representatives of the Economy Ministry and the Environment Ministry. "The important thing for residents is that no catastrophe has happened in the area, meaning there has been no accelerated collapse, no earthquake — this is a step related simply to what we all perceive, that the area is subsiding," said mayor Frantisek Olha. According to the mayor, declaring a state of emergency is necessary as the area involves around 400 landowners. "Only a state of emergency will allow us a legal way to enter these private plots without restriction. Fencing off the area, putting up signs, ensuring public awareness and, above all, access for university scientists, measuring equipment and technicians who will repair borehole heads are the objectives of declaring a state of emergency," Olha added. mf