Giovanni Zambello, International Federation
Heavy rain has triggered severe floods in north-eastern Hungary and other central European countries.
According to the information received from Hungary's County Disaster Management Director, the rivers Sajó, Hernád, Bódva are under control in all the flooded areas.
The floodwater is receding, albeit rather slowly, and the flood defences have, so far, been successful with the exception of Edelény, where burst dams have resulted in heavy damage. Many mud-brick houses have suffered damage and one has collapsed. Fortunately, a full evacuation was not necessary.
In Miskolc, the situation has stabilized and the care for the affected population is continuing.
A permanent alert is still in place along the river Sajó as the increase in the volume of water has caused the waterline of Lake Csorba to rise to a dangerous level. The surrounding areas are likely to flood repeatedly. Fortunately, there are no residential buildings in the area, but commercial units and warehouses are not so lucky. The local Red Cross branches are distributing refreshments to the workers on the dams.
The county branch designated the homeless care centre in Miskolc as a warehouse and distribution centre in order to receive donations in-kind.
As of 18 May, more than 50 people have been evacuated in the provinces of Komárom-Esztergom, Győr-Moson-Sopron and Nógrád.
“If no further rain comes and the protection holds, everything should be fine," says Mr Georg Habsburg, president of the Hungarian Red Cross, who was undertaking a visit of the towns most affected by the floods in Borsod County.
"The main task carried out by our National Society is to provide support to the people who are building dams. We are also collecting non-perishable food and disinfectant for the affected people to use once they will be back to their houses," he added.
"It will take from one to one-and-a-half years before the situation restores to normal conditions. We, as Red Cross, are also helping people on a long-term basis by providing assistance to those who lost their houses, for example, by dealing with insurance companies."
"The areas struck by the floods are indeed very poor and with lots of internal problems related to the integration of minorities," continues Mr Habsburg, "nonetheless, the emergency seems to show how common challenges can often lead communities to work together and be more cohesive."
A collective effort
By 18 May, two large corporate donors had already made donations. The Tesco store in Miskolc donated five tonnes of non-perishable food and mineral water worth HUF 1.5 million (6,500 US dollars) and Borsod Brewery made a cash donation of HUF 3 million (13,300 US dollars).
Bosch has started to collect donations among its own employees, and several local communities have started initiatives to collect used clothes and household items to help those affected.
Four major telecommunications companies – Telenor, T-Mobile, T-Home and Vodafone – are offering a helpline to help those affected by the floods. Any money raised through the helpline will be used by the Hungarian Red Cross to support the flood-affected population.