Red Cross helps Hungarian villages damaged by hailstorm with international support

The Hungarian Red Cross has supported 1,300 people affected by the severe storms in late June, with financial and technical assistance from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

IFRC contributed a little over 87,000 Swiss francs (24.4 million Hungarian forints) following the hailstorms and heavy rains that hit several parts of Hungary on 21 June. The village of Megyaszó in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemlén County and other villages around the city of Kecskemét in Bács-Kiskun County were the most affected, with roofs, windows and gardens destroyed by the ice. More than 230 homes suffered serious damage, with some of them left uninhabitable.

Acting together with the local authorities and civil society groups, the local branch of Hungarian Red Cross responded immediately by deploying 50 staff members and volunteers who distributed food and cleaning kits. With support of IFRC, the Hungarian Red Cross was able to provide tools, materials and skilled volunteers to repair damaged roofs and windows.

István Kardos, Director General of the Hungarian Red Cross said:

“There is no way to avoid natural disasters that may hit our country repeatedly, and being the largest humanitarian organization in Hungary, we must be able to help quickly and efficiently in these unexpected situations.”

“To our response, we receive technical assistance and financial support from the International Federation. More recently, the Hungarian Red Cross was able to provide immediate assistance to the families in need and people affected by the hailstorm by using humanitarian aid from international funds.”

Simon Missiri, IFRC Regional Director for Europe said: “Being a member of the world’s largest humanitarian organization means that the Hungarian Red Cross can respond more effectively to domestic natural shocks and crises. Through our regional office in Budapest, we support 54 national societies, including Hungarian Red Cross, in their work with vulnerable people across their home countries.”

Photos: MTI, Red Cross

Source: The Hungarian Red Cross