Disaster Relief: Social Support for Flood Victims

Teams from the Agency for Social Assistance (ASA) are already on the ground, deployed in the areas affected by the disaster. The press center of the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy (MLSP) announced that their main task is to provide emergency assistance to people whose homes and lives have been affected by the floods.

Since Friday (October 3), the ministry noted, the ASA teams have been conducting patrols of the affected settlements. The aim is to assess the scale of the damage on the spot and to assist the victims in applying for one-time disaster relief. This assistance is of essential importance to those who have lost their homes and means of livelihood. The maximum amount of this aid is set at three times the poverty line, which equals 1914 BGN - a sum that can provide some stability in this difficult moment.

The Minister of Labor and Social Policy, Borislav Gutsanov, is in constant contact with the teams on the ground to monitor the progress of the work and coordinate the actions. The press center emphasized that the ministry is already working on the possibility of allocating additional funds for the victims. This practice was successfully applied during the summer when fires affected different parts of the country.

Recalling previous practices, the Social Ministry highlights the decision of the Council of Ministers (CM), taken at the proposal of the Social Minister at the end of July. This decision enabled the victims of the fires to apply not only for one-time assistance, but also for an additional 3000 BGN. The condition for receiving both types of support is that the damaged dwelling should serve as the main one for the family and be legally built.

In addition, families affected by the floods have the opportunity to receive an additional 2500 BGN from the "Social Protection" fund for the purchase of necessary items such as furniture and appliances - refrigerators and stoves, explained the MLSP. This aid is aimed at restoring basic living conditions.

The Ministry expressed its sincerest condolences to the families of the victims of the disaster.

Meanwhile, the Regional Administration in Burgas announced that teams from the police, gendarmerie and fire department will conduct a second patrol today. The aim is to assess the current state of the affected areas and to determine the priority areas for clearing. In addition, an inspection of the damaged buildings is forthcoming to assess their stability and safety for habitation. After these inspections, specialized commissions will proceed to describe the damage and will outline measures for recovery. The sight is shocking - streets covered with mud and debris, and on the faces of people - anxiety and hope for a better future.