At least six dead in Slovenia due to the rainy storm that affects several countries in central Europe

INTERNATIONAL / By Luis Moreno

At least six people have died in Slovenia due to the rainy storm that is also hitting other central European countries such as Austria and Croatia and that has resulted in heavy flooding and hundreds of landslides, according to the authorities, who are trying to take stock and prepare for future havoc. The rains have caused several rivers to overflow and have left at least six dead, including two Dutchmen who were struck by lightning during an excursion.

The Slovenian government already considers the current situation as the worst natural disaster since the secession of the Soviet Union, with estimated damages of more than 500 million euros.. “In these difficult times, Slovenia is not alone”, celebrated Prime Minister Robert Golob, thanking “friends” who have provided help.

Request for technical assistance to the EU and NATO

Several EU Member States, including France and Germany, have sent machinery to alleviate the consequences of landslides caused by floods. Specifically, France has mobilized two excavators with engineering units, and Germany will send two precast bridges, two excavators and the corresponding personnel.

The EU has also activated the Copernicus satellite observation system, which has so far produced several maps of the affected areas. This Sunday the Government of Slovenia formally requested technical assistance from the EU and NATO after verifying enormous damage to roads, railways, bridges, sewage systems and buildings.

Austria and Croatia on alert

In southern Austria, special vigilance was also maintained this Monday for possible landslides in the southern area, while the water level has risen and threatens to flood some areas of neighboring Croatia, where the state has already been declared. emergency and authorities and neighbors strive to prepare for possible floods. Despite this widespread alert throughout the region, meteorologists expect the situation to improve and the level of the rivers to gradually drop.