Macedonia to launch compensation for flood-hit residents

The Macedonian government has vowed to help residents cope with grave consequences of the devastating flood which hit mostly the west and the northwest of the country on Aug. 6.

The flood has left at least 21 people dead and caused huge economic damage.Villages such as Stajkovci, Indzikovo, Singjelik, Cresevo, Hasanbeg neighborhood were the most affected areas.

Macedonian Prime Minister Emil Dimitriev declared on Tuesday during his visit to some areas hit by floods that the government will compensate for the damage, stressing that all efforts are being made to start paying advance compensation.

He also urged the residents who don't have transaction account to open one, saying that the government will launch the compensation process immediately after the end of assessment procedures,

Currently, efforts are being made to clean streets and houses as well as disinfect the flooded areas in order to prevent spread of diseases.

Local residents have been constantly assisted by hundreds of army members, police officers, international organizations' representatives and volunteers.

The Red Cross announced on Tuesday that it has already collected 39 million denars (700,000 U.S. dollars) and has distributed more than 27,000 food packages, 4,000 blankets and other health kits.

Source : XINHUA