Zoom Image
Destroyed by masses of water: A house in the Slovenian municipality of Prävali
Photo: Fedja Grulovic / REUTERS
Due to the ongoing flooding in Slovenia, the Air Force has sent helicopters and personnel to the country. "Due to the devastating floods, Slovenia has asked the European Union and NATO for technical assistance in disaster management," the German Defense Ministry said. The Air Force has therefore sent around 30 soldiers and two heavy CH-53 transport helicopters to the flooded areas.
"It is with dismay that we see the current events in Slovenia and Austria and their dramatic consequences for people and nature," the ministry said in Berlin. The storms of the past few days have hit Slovenia hard. "The destruction of infrastructure is significant. Alleviating the plight of the affected people and securing their care is the most urgent goal," it continued.
Death toll rises to six
In Slovenia, the worst floods in 30 years have occurred in recent days. The death toll rose to six on Monday. According to official information, an advance team of the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) also made its way to the flooded areas on Monday.
According to the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BKK), which is coordinating the deployment of the German helpers, two excavators and two temporary bridges of the THW were also to be brought to Slovenia. The Slovenian government has accepted corresponding offers from THW, the Federal Office explained.
In Slovenia and Austria, heavy rainfall in recent days had triggered massive flooding and landslides and caused severe damage. Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob spoke on Saturday of the "worst natural disaster" in his country in the past 30 years. Two-thirds of the country were affected. On Sunday, Ljubljana asked for international help. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to visit Slovenia on Wednesday.
ktz/AFP