Romania under waters

During the devastating floods in Romania over the past two weeks, at least 23 people lost their lives and over 2,300 homes were destroyed and thousands have been evacuated from their homes. The devastation also extended to many roads, bridges, railway tracks, as well as gas and water pipes. The total damage suffered throughout the country is estimated at over one billion euros.

Interior Minister says there has not yet been a damage assessment as the floods are still critical, especially on the Siret River in northern and eastern Romania, but that losses could exceed 0.6 per cent of gross domestic product. Also, the Danube has exceeded the highest levels recorded in 2006 around the towns of Galaţi and Brăila. Interior Minister recently said that procedures have been started to tap into the EU Solidarity Fund, which can be accessed in case of force majeure if damages sustained exceed EUR3 billion, which is not the case of Romania, or if damages exceed 0.6% of gross domestic product, where Romania qualifies. The minister said Romania could get EUR75 million relief from the fund.

Romania officially asked for help on 2 July. Romania's request for assistance was immediately communicated to all EU countries via the Commission's Monitoring and Information Centre (MIC). Some EU countries (Austria, Belgium, Estonia, France) already sent assistance to flood-hit Romania. Some Romanian NGO have starteda humanitarian campaigns to support the victims of the disaster, collecting funds and objects. Help! Donate! Support!