August Floods Cause EUR 2.7 Billion in Damages Across 173 Municipalities

August Floods Cause EUR 2.7 Billion in Damages Across 173 Municipalities

The devastating floods that struck Slovenia in August have left an indelible mark on the nation’s infrastructure, economy, and people. With damage reported from 173 municipalities, the estimated cost of the destruction exceeds €2.7 billion. This staggering figure is not final, as it only accounts for damages to public service infrastructure, local facilities, residential buildings, municipality-owned property, forest roads, and direct damage to land, buildings, and infrastructure. It does not include damages to businesses or the immediate costs of the emergency clean-up.

The Spread of Destruction

The Civil Protection and Disaster Relief Administration reported that nearly half of the assessed damage pertained to watercourses, amounting to more than €1.3 billion. Facilities followed, with damages exceeding €500 million. The floods left more than 12,000 buildings damaged, disrupting livelihoods and displacing residents.

The collected data on the damage will be forwarded to regional commissions for review and final assessment. This process is crucial for the application for funds from the EU Solidarity Fund. Slovenia has 12 weeks from the date of the floods to apply for EU aid. The nation’s recovery efforts are likely to be a long-term endeavor that will require significant financial resources and strategic planning.

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Governmental Aid and Legislation

In response to the disaster, the government has made legislative changes, allowing municipalities to be eligible for advance payments of up to 40% of the preliminary damage assessment. The government had recently announced that it would allocate €222 million for this purpose. This move aims to expedite the recovery process by providing immediate financial aid to the affected areas.

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