EU member states continue providing all the assistance Serbia needs, in order to rescue its citizens from flooded areas, protect the property as much as possible, and repair the consequences.
Belgium is sending 12 people from the Ministry of Defence and one person from the Ministry of Public Health to help the Serbian authorities and people in flooded areas, said Tuesday Belgium Minister of Foreign Affairs Didier Reynders. The country therefore joins the EU Civil Protection Mechanism participating countries that have already directed their assistance and equipment.
In addition to the team, three boats with outboard motor and aluminium will be sent to Serbia by the Ministry of Defence. These boats will supply with food or remove those people who have not abandoned their homes. The convoy is expected to arrive on site Thursday night, and will be deployed in consultation with Serbian authorities and the EU Civil Protection Team.
By now, more than 230 trained rescuers from the EU have been deployed in flooded areas throughout Serbia, and engaged in evacuation of citizens and repairing flood damage by using water rescue boats, helicopters, high-capacity pumping modules, and other necessary equipment. Dozens of additional rescue teams, helicopters, boats, and water pumps stand ready to be directed to Serbia at its request. EULEX provides additional aid.
Austrian team consisting of 39 people equipped with high capacity pumps, and six boats is deployed in Šabac; German and Slovenian teams with total number of 64 people equipped with high capacity pumps, and water rescue boats are working around TENT, in Obrenovac and around thermal power plant in Kostolac. Hungarian team (27 people and five water rescue boats) has been transferred to Šabac, whereas rescue helicopter and eight-member team are on Belgrade airport and available in case of necessity.
Some 40 French rescuers, including one medical and one diving team, equipped with two barges, eight motor rescue boats, and high capacity pumps had arrived overnight to Serbia and were immediately sent to Šabac and Kostolac power plant. Danish 26-member team with a high capacity pump is also engaged in water drainage action.
Assistance is also provided by 18-member team from Czech Republic, equipped with two high capacity pumps, one water rescue boat, and seven engines. Romania engaged as well, with a high capacity pump and a 8-member team.
A team of 26 Bulgarian rescuers, equipped with two fire engines with trailers with 10 pumps, one draining water Fire Engine with five pumps, as well as 11 low capacity pumps, and 2 motor rescue boats, is engaged in rescue actions in Jagodina, Svilajnac and Pančevo.
Ten-member Croatian team with one high capacity pump and 1 water purification unit joined the rescue action as well; upon Serbia’s request Croatia would provide additional 15 aluminium boats. Luxembourg directed a 24-member team with six water rescue boats, whereas two boats provided by Cyprus are deployed to match the needs.
More equipment and people are offered to Serbia in case of necessity. Slovakia offered 12 people and one high capacity pumping module, whereas Germany made 15 additional helicopters available as well as another high capacity pump.
EU Civil Protection Team resides in Belgrade since Friday night, in order to help Serbian authorities and coordinate the EU assistance. Team members are based in Serbian Sector for Emergency Management premises, working closely with the Sector as well as with local rescue bodies and United Nations.
The European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) joined the support actions as well. EULEX will donate high capacity generators, portable diesel generator terrain lighting unit, emergency shower units, and ten 20-litre capacity water heaters. In addition, one ambulance and medical crew will be at disposal and engaged in for as long they are needed.
Earlier, a EULEX rescue helicopter was engaged in evacuation of citizens from affected areas, while two EULEX vehicles transported 5000 pre-packaged meals, 7000 litres of bottled water, 200 foldaway beds, and 200 sleeping bags that were immediately delivered to Mladenovac branch of Red Cross of Serbia.
The European Union is providing coordinated assistance through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism which has been activated upon the request of Serbia due to severe flooding in the country.
More details: europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-14-589_en.htm
The European Commission’s humanitarian aid and civil protection: ec.europa.eu/echo
