No one will be left without help in the face of the natural disaster
16.09.2024
The Council of Ministers adopted a declaration of the state of natural disaster. During a press conference, Prime Minister Donald Tusk noted that the safety of the residents in the affected areas is paramount. Evacuation orders and other special measures are to be employed only in life-threatening situations. The government has also developed a financial aid package for flood victims.
State of natural disaster in 3 voivodeships
Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that the Council of Ministers adopted a resolution declaring the state of natural disaster in parts of the Lower Silesian, Opole and Silesian voivodeships, which will remain in force for 30 days.
“We will keep you updated on which counties or municipalities make it onto the list of areas affected by the disaster,”
the Prime Minister stated.
A state of natural disaster is one of the three states of emergency provided for by the Constitution. Declaring a state of natural disaster facilitates coordination of relief efforts, which will allow the authorities to respond to the emergency situations quicker and to improve cooperation between authorities and various institutions.
Support for flood victims
Prime Minister Donald Tusk has instructed the Minister of Finance to earmark a reserve for support the flood-stricken areas and victims of the disaster.
“As of now, the reserve amounts to a billion PLN. The Minister of Finance has assured me that both immediate and long-term support will be properly funded,”
the Prime Minister stated.
Thanks to the government's decision to declare the state of natural disaster, all affected individuals will be able to request immediate financial assistance of 10 000 PLN from their respective municipalities - 8 000 PLN in social support funds and 2 000 PLN in flood benefits. Donald Tusk also announced non-refundable financial assistance for the repair and reconstruction of flats, houses and farm buildings.
“No one will be left alone with a flooded home. We will try to get to everybody - we do not want to leave anybody alone with these problems,”
he noted, pointing out the solidarity with flood victims.
Poland is also going to request support from the European Union together with other affected countries.
Only reliable information
The Prime Minister reiterated the importance of quick dissemination of information in this difficult situation; adding that any news should be reliable and verified.
“The Wrocław crisis centre will issue several reports concerning all the events every day, so you can help us spread the word and disseminate the news that people need,”
Donald Tusk said to the media.
After the conference, the Prime Minister travelled to Wrocław, where he will attend a meeting at the crisis centre.