Ten Romanian Counties Still Affected By Floods – Report

According to the national report issued Thursday morning by IGSU, the 147 people who remain evacuated hail from the counties of Alba, Arad, Botosani, Cluj, Dolj, Iasi, Neamt, Salaj, Suceava and Vrancea. Overall statistics indicate that the floods have damaged 1,726 homes, 2,829 hectares of farmland and forests, 115.2 kilometers of roads, 88 bridges and 753 water wells. Over 700 employees of the IGSU, the Interior Ministry and the national road authority took part in the damage control and rescue operations.

Central Romanian counties Alba and Cluj are two of the most heavily affected. Alina Balas, spokesperson of the Alba County Inspectorate for Emergency Situations, said Thursday that the heavy rains of the past three days have damaged nearly 600 houses, 16 company headquarters, 800 basements, 1,400 annexes, 226 fountains, 33 kilometers of roads, hundreds of meters of phone and power lines, and 29 bridges in 18 Alba towns and villages. Casualties include a woman buried alive under her house, and some 150 animals. Another 45 inhabitants were evacuated by firefighters and mountain rangers.

Alba County prefect Stefan Bardan said that local authorities will hand out several tons of food, water, and blankets to flood victims on Thursday.

Cluj County prefect Florin Stamatian said Thursday that the recent floods affected a total of 46 Cluj towns and villages, causing damage to nearly 1,400 houses, 208 annexes, 16,000 hectares of farmland, 107 bridges and 279 fountains. Dozens of animals and fowl were reported dead, but no human casualties. Stamatian said local and county authorities will draw up a damage estimate and request aid funding from the Government.

Romania’s Interior Minister Vasile Blaga said Thursday that the Cabinet has not yet discussed the granting of aid funds to flood victims, as current reports indicate that there have been no „absolutely exceptional situations.”