PM thanks nation for massive solidarity in flood crisis, promises support at all levels
As the flood waters slowly subside, Prime Minister Petr Fiala has outlined the government’s strategy in dealing with the damage wrought by strong winds and high water in many parts of the country. He promised state finances, material aid and support from the armed forces.
As the skies begin to clear over Czechia, the country is taking stock of the damage caused in the past three days. Fresh from a visit to the devastated regions, Prime Minister Fiala expressed his gratitude to those battling the floods and sorrow over the lives lost.
“Since Friday over 5,500 professional and voluntary firefighters, police officers, rescue teams and volunteers have helped to evacuate more than 13,500 people. Over 600 people were rescued from imminent danger. Regrettably, we have three confirmed casualties and seven people are reported missing. I want to thank all those who have been helping on the ground, including mayors, volunteers and members of the public for their selfless help and responsible attitude. The damage wrought by theses floods has been extreme, but so has the solidarity of people responding to the crisis. They deserve our help and our support”
The prime minister said his cabinet would lose no time in providing support at all levels. He said a working group is now being established under Finance Minister Zbynek Stanjura, involving ministers from the affected regions and governors, who would plan how to best allocate state funds to help municipalities to repair the damage.
It is of vital importance, Mr. Fiala said, to restore electricity supplies, the communications network and repair damaged roads and fallen bridges as soon as possible. For that reason the cabinet has approved the deployment of soldiers and equipment in the flood-hit areas of the Czech Republic. Up to 2,000 soldiers may be called up to join the clean-up and reconstruction effort, effective immediately.
The prime minister also confirmed that the State Material Reserves Administration would provide equipment needed for relief and clean-up efforts directly to municipalities and basic aid to individuals who had lost everything in the floods. This will involve drinking water tankers, especially for smaller municipalities that will have to deal with contamination of water sources, power generators, dryers, tents and blankets.
In a message to people whose homes were completely destroyed or badly damaged, the head of government said insurance companies were going out of their way to be helpful.
“The Association of Insurance Companies says that up to date insurance companies have received close to 9,000 claims to the tune of one billion crowns. And what is important to stress, insurance companies have assured us that they are ready to start paying out advance payments to clients immediately and will not insist on some of the standard procedures which would complicate the process. Clients will get advance payments within one to two days.”
In addition to the huge clean-up and rebuilding effort awaiting many towns and cities, the prime minister said there is one more immediate challenge facing the public – and that is this weekend’s municipal and Senate elections which remain on track. Mr. Fiala said the Interior Ministry was working on a plan how to help the flooded municipalities organize the vote “in difficult circumstances” adding that he was confident that municipalities would overcome any problems that arise and people would come to cast their ballot in these elections.
