Over 1,000 Homes Need Rebuilding After Major Flooding In Romania – PM

Boc called on prefects to be very careful where new building permits are issued to avoid rebuilding homes in flood-prone areas.

He said damage assessments are nearing completion and the value of damages is at hundreds of millions of euros. Boc said floods caused damages in 37 counties, especially in the east, and nearly 7,000 homes have been affected, of which over 1,000 will have to be rebuilt because they have collapsed or are bound to collapse.

The prime minister said the Government will provide construction materials and prefects are to strictly monitor the issuing of new building permits and make sure new homes are built in non-floodable areas.

The prime minister also thanked the Government’s representatives in the country for their swift response during the floods.

Boc said Friday flood damages across the country rise to hundreds of millions of euros and sources close to the matter told MEDIAFAX the sum could amount to some EUR400 million.

Asked whether the Government will require the International Monetary Fund to agree on a new deficit target following the floods, Boc said a decision will be made after all assessments are completed.

Earlier this month, Transport Minister Radu Berceanu said Romania might ask the IMF to allow a wider budget gap than the agreed 6.8% of GDP, citing force majeure following the floods that affected the country.