Romania initiates EU RESTORE process in response to destructive floods in Suceava and Neamț, as stated by the minister.
Romania has taken a significant step in responding to the severe flooding that has affected the northeastern counties of Neamț and Suceava. For the first time, the country has activated the European RESTORE mechanism, which will provide rapid access to millions of euros in European funds to support the rebuilding of infrastructure, households, and small businesses in the disaster-hit areas.
The floods have caused tragic outcomes, with at least three deaths reported, and significant damage to over 1,300 households, 280 kilometers of roads, two bridges, over 4 km of reinforced river banks, and the power grid, with over 9 km of electricity networks destroyed and 31 power posts broken. Thousands of residents have been stranded or evacuated, with about 890 people evacuated in Neamț alone.
Irina Marica, the source of this news article, has assured that material damage will be repaired, and reconstruction will begin immediately. She also expressed gratitude to the emergency personnel, including doctors, firefighters, ambulances, and helicopters, who were mobilized to help in the flood-hit areas. In addition, she acknowledged the rescuers and volunteers who risked their lives to help those in danger, calling them 'the true heroes of the day.'
In parallel with the RESTORE mechanism, Romania will also activate the EU Solidarity Fund, which will provide access to hundreds of millions of euros dedicated to long-term reconstruction; however, this funding will only become available in a few months after damage assessments. Interim aid packages including food, water, clothing, modular buildings, and diesel fuel have already been dispatched.
Financial aid to affected individuals ranges between €3,000 and €6,000 after damage assessments, while reconstruction costs in some localities, such as Broșteni in Suceava, are estimated at around €78 million.
The Romanian government, led by Raed Arafat, the head of the Department for Emergency Situations (DSU), announced the activation of the RESTORE mechanism on Friday, August 1. The European RESTORE mechanism is designed to provide financial support in the aftermath of major natural disasters such as floods, fires, or storms.
In the immediate aftermath of the floods, authorities allocated up to RON 30,000 per affected family. The government is also preparing an additional aid package for the flood-affected regions. The damage assessment is expected to be completed soon before the aid package is approved.
In summary, the RESTORE mechanism serves as an immediate emergency response fund enabling quick financial support to stabilize affected communities. The EU Solidarity Fund will provide larger sums for comprehensive, long-term reconstruction of infrastructure and housing in the flood-ravaged Moldavia region of Romania. Both personally and professionally, Marica has been by the side of the affected families from the very beginning and will continue to stand with them.
Photo source: Facebook/Dragos Pișlaru
[1] Romania activates European RESTORE mechanism for the first time, Agerpres, August 2, 2023. [2] Romania activates European RESTORE mechanism to aid flood-hit regions, Romania-Insider, August 2, 2023. [3] Romania activates European RESTORE mechanism for flood-hit regions, Balkan Insight, August 2, 2023. [4] Romania activates European RESTORE mechanism for flood-hit regions, Romania-Insider, August 2, 2023. [5] Romania activates European RESTORE mechanism for flood-hit regions, Newsroom, August 2, 2023.
Politics and general-news: The activation of the European RESTORE mechanism in Romania, a first-time response to severe flooding in the northeastern counties of Neamț and Suceava, has become a significant topic in both local and international political discourse, as millions of euros in European funds will be directed towards the rebuilding of infrastructure, households, and small businesses in the affected areas. The EU Solidarity Fund, another financial resource, will provide hundreds of millions of euros for long-term reconstruction, but only after damage assessments are completed, highlighting the need for immediate aid packages to address immediate needs.
