Flood relief

Cabinet, on Wednesday, approved a proposal to raise this year's state budget by 5 billion crowns (over 200 million US dollars) to pay for damages caused by the floods. The government is also considering the creation of a 10 to 15 billion crown fund from which flood defence measures as well as the acquisition of flood damaged buildings would be financed. The Speaker of the Lower House of Parliament, Lubomir Zaoralek, said he may declare a state of legislative emergency to allow for the quick passing of laws necessary to free finances for flood relief.

Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel, whose country holds the rotating EU presidency in the first half of this year, has said he would raise the question of possible financial aid from the European Union Solidarity Fund. Some political parties in the Czech Republic have decided to cut back on their election campaign expenditures and donate the money to flood victims. Charity organizations have also opened up accounts for public donations.