Assistance for flood relief in Czechia and Poland has been activated by the European Union in response to the severe flooding affecting Central and Eastern Europe, as officially confirmed on the European Commission's website.
Several EU member states have stepped up to help Czechia, with Slovenia, Belgium, Croatia, and Germany contributing hundreds of dehumidifiers essential for drying out water-damaged buildings and facilitating recovery efforts.
Sweden provides essential water treatment supplies
In response to Poland's request, Sweden is preparing to supply hundreds of bottles of chloramine, a chemical known for its disinfectant properties and ability to kill bacteria, to support water treatment efforts in the country.
Deputy Commander of the State Fire Service, Paweł Frysztak, previously announced on Polish Radio that Sweden is set to deliver approximately 80 building dehumidifiers, while Lithuania plans to provide more than 1,000 pairs of wellies.
Janez Lenarčič, the Commissioner for Crisis Management, expressed his appreciation for the quick response from the Member States. "This collective effort highlights the EU's unwavering commitment to solidarity and cooperation in times of crisis, ensuring relief for those whose lives have been impacted by these devastating floods" - he stated.
In a further commitment, President von der Leyen announced that €10 billion could be mobilised from cohesion funds for the countries suffering from these severe floods. This comprehensive support underscores the EU's determination to address the crisis effectively and promptly.
Poland activates EU civil protection mechanism amid severe flooding
According to the Polish Radio's IAR news agency, Poland activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism at the end of last week.
The first country affected by the floods to activate this mechanism was the Czech Republic, which requested dehumidifiers. This appeal was met with support from Slovenia, Belgium, Croatia, and Germany.
The European Commission confirmed that, in addition to Sweden, Lithuania also offered immediate assistance to Poland for flood recovery efforts as part of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
The Copernicus Emergency Management Service is aiding the situation by providing satellite imagery to assist emergency operations in the affected regions.
Additionally, the EU Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) is closely monitoring the unfolding situation and remains prepared to offer more help if necessary.
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Source: IAR/EU Commission
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