Today, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Janez Janša, revisited Železniki and Zali Log, where the Mayor, Mihael Prevc, the Commander of the Administration of the Republic of Slovenia for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief, Miran Bogataj, and representatives of the Slovenian Armed Forces and the police briefed him on the relief procedures after the disastrous storm on Tuesday.

 

(Photo: Srdjan Živulovič/Bobo)

 

"The situation is much more optimistic now, as this has been planned well," said the PM, commending the response of solidarity. He thanked the fire fighters, troops, rescue services and all volunteers who rushed to help repair the damage, clear transport routes and enable people to return to their homes.

 

"The response of solidarity in Slovenia has been exceptional in these days. I have to commend the organisers of different events, particularly RTV Slovenija and the radio station Radio Ognjišče, which raised considerable funds yesterday, both main charities, and other charity organisations, municipalities, companies and societies." The financial aid is coming, so now the municipality of Železniki and other authorities have to make sure that help reaches the most affected people as soon as possible, while all procedures have to be transparent.

 

(Photo: Srdjan Živulovič/Bobo)

 

According to the PM, the damage will certainly exceed 200 million euros. Most of it has been caused to roads, waterways and buildings; however, the costs of destroyed equipment in buildings and the business damage caused by loss of production are yet to be assessed.

 

(Photo: Srdjan Živulovič/Bobo)

 

Based on initial damage estimates, Slovenia is eligible to apply for financial aid from the European Union Solidarity Fund; the PM believes that there are realistic possibilities that the country would receive it. At present, the Government is overseeing the application procedure to ensure that the application is submitted to Brussels in time. The funds will be used primarily to rebuild roads and infrastructure, restore waterways, and implement prevention measures against future floods. The funds will also provide for the complete rebuilding of the Železniki-Davča road, which is expected to be at least operational in about one month.

 

The PM also took the time to visit several families in Železniki and Zali Log who were most severely affected by the storm.