Following his consultation with his Slovenian counterpart, Marjan Šarec, Minister of Defence Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky announced that helicopters of the Hungarian Defence Forces will be dispatched to Slovenia to support flood rescue operations. Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky stated on his social media on Sunday that the planning of the details of the mission were ongoing, and the helicopters were on their way to the flood-stricken areas. He emphasised that
neighbouring countries can always count on Hungary’s assistance.
He reminded that Slovenia has been heavily affected by storms in recent days, with floods resulting from torrential rain having caused massive destruction.
After days of relentless rain, leading to severe flooding and landslides caused by the downpour, emergency services were mobilised in multiple regions of Austria and Slovenia. The Slovenian Prime Minister, Robert Golob, announced on Sunday that he had requested aid from neighbouring nations and had informed the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. He asserted that effective assistance was being provided in areas like Škofja Loka, which suffered extensive damage. Golob mentioned that Slovenia was anticipating help, including logistical support and helicopter transport capacity, from neighbouring countries’ armed forces.
Tine Radinja, Mayor of Škofja Loka, described the local situation as catastrophic. He highlighted the inaccessibility of three valleys and called for assistance from the state and the EU. President Nataša Pirc Musar of Slovenia visited Kamnik, north of the capital, stressing the government’s dedicated efforts to mend the catastrophic damage. She used the term ‘horrific’ to characterise the devastation. Even though water levels are stabilising throughout the nation, persistent heavy rainfall and saturated soil have heightened the risk of landslides, with the Slovenian Geological Institute calling on citizens to be cautious. According to the official data, the floods have already claimed four lives.
In western Hungary, severe floods are projected to impact the Dráva and Mura rivers. Both rivers are experiencing extensive flooding, a situation warranting a higher than Level 3 flood alert. The Dráva is anticipated to peak at different locations on different days in the week ahead, with the tide progressing towards its convergence with the Danube. Protective measures began near the Mura on Sunday morning. Joint efforts of professional and volunteer rescue teams included the erection of sandbag barricades around three houses, with one person having to evacuate due to rising water. Ongoing pumping and construction of barriers are being employed to combat the water.
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