PM Orban: Slow Receding, Flood Waters to Exit Hungary by Mid-Next Week + Video

The Hungarian prime minister gives update on flood protection.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban at the Flood Info press conference (Photo: MTI /Szilard Koszticsak)

Photo: Szilard Koszticsak 

 

Defenses in good shape

With Budapest's protection works at 100%, the protection of Budapest is considered to be complete. The most difficult locations are in the Danube Bend, but even there the level of preparedness has improved a lot in a day, and in most places the level of protection is at one hundred or well over ninety percent.  "The protection in Nagymaros was excellent and effective, the professional staff are in good condition, the country is safe despite the gravity of the situation, there is no shortage of equipment or manpower," the PM reported, adding that although the situation is serious and difficult, the level of protection gives reason for optimism, and the water can be kept in riverbed.

Hungary has made an official request, prompting Brussels to examine what kind of aid in flood recovery can be provided to our country.

If we waited for Brussels to save us, we would be up to our necks in water by now, 

said the prime minister in response to a question. We must do our work, finance the costs of defense, and then when all the complicated procedures in Brussels are completed and we are not penalized by denying the aid we are entitled to, then support will come from there. "We respectfully thank Brussels for at least thinking of us,” said the prime minister."

Speaking about the costs, the PM Orban highlighted that no extra spending is expected on flood defense as sufficient funds are allocated in the budget each year for defense efforts. Compensation for flood damage will only be calculated after the waters recede, but now it seems that no major compensation will have to be paid. However, the salaries for those working in water management should be increased regardless of the current flood, and this will be done over a period of one to three years starting in 2025. "In times of trouble, it's not the pocket but the heart that counts, but the pocket must be improved," he said.

Looking ahead, Viktor Orban stressed the need to build mobile flood barriers in Kismaros and flood defenses on certain shorter sections on the Danube. "Securing the entire country with permanent flood defense systems from Budapest to the western border will give us peace of mind," PM Orban pointed out.

Flood defense operations are being carried out on the Lajta River, in the Szigetkoz and the Danube Bend, as well as on the Danube section below Budapest, said the head of the General Directorate of Water Management. Istan Lang emphasized that monitoring must continue after the flood recedes because seepage and sand boils can occur in many places.

Zoltan Gora, head of the National Directorate General for Disaster Management, said that 991 firefighters are engaged in protection efforts in 51 settlements.

Cover photo: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban at the Flood Info press conference (Photo: MTI/Szilard Koszticsak)