The Worst Seems to Be Over

In Slovenia, the cleanup efforts have begun after the devastating flood. The damages are estimated to be more than half a billion euros, and the country now relies on international assistance.

Everyone is pitching in. For example, filling the many sandbags that are then transported to the dam by helicopter to ensure its stability. Last night went well, the dam held. Despite being completely soaked from the excessive water of the past few days – even the roads, covered in mud everywhere. Trucks cannot pass through. That’s why army helicopters brought ton-heavy concrete blocks. And now, sandbags.

One helper has some insight: “What I’ve heard and seen from the helicopter convinces me. The water level of the Mur River is slowly receding – and if it doesn’t rain anymore, the situation will surely stabilize and improve over time.”

The people from the surrounding villages are already safe, with 500 of them being accommodated in emergency shelters – just to be cautious. The worst seems to be over.
Two-thirds of Slovenia are affected.

Now, the focus is on rebuilding. “The sun is shining again,” says Darja Pecovnik on the radio – she leads a Slovenian relief organization. And she says, “Now we need many diligent hands to restore the houses and apartments of the people to their pre-flood condition.”

In Slovenia, the major cleanup after the weather catastrophe has begun. Two-thirds of the small country are affected, and the estimated damages exceed half a billion euros. And even though most roads are no longer flooded, it doesn’t mean there’s clear passage. Many lanes are still blocked by rocks, fallen branches, and washed-up debris. Technician teams are on their way to repair interrupted power lines and, most importantly, telecommunication connections.

“I hope that we will have telephone signals again very soon because without telecommunication, our ability to help is severely limited,” says Pecovnik. “Then we can only access the necessary information with great difficulty. It makes our work very, very challenging.” It may take several days for everything to function again.
Landslides are still a threat.

What Slovenia needs first and has requested from the EU and NATO are primarily heavy transport helicopters with crews, 40 mobile bridges, heavy excavators, and clearing equipment – that’s it. Help has been promised and is on its way. Now, the priority is to bring the essentials to the right places. As quickly as possible.

Landslides remain a serious threat. The slopes are saturated with water and softened, houses are at risk of being swept away. However, most people are safe, with many also being in emergency shelters last night. Help is also coming from Germany. Teams from the Technical Relief Agency are on their way to Slovenia. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced her visit for later this week.