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Pintér: Preparations for flood protection have reached 100%

Measures implemented so far will ensure that the water of the Danube River can be confined and kept between its barriers, Sándor Pintér told a press conference.

Interior Minister Sándor Pintér said preparations for flood protection have reached "one hundred percent" across the entirety of Hungary.

Measures implemented so far will ensure that the water of the Danube River can be confined and kept between its barriers, Pintér told a press conference.

In the case of other rivers, the measures may include the temporary opening of reservoirs in order to protect residents, their property and land against flood water, he said.

Protection operations are carried out with the participation of water management authorities, the armed forces, police, prison management and the national disaster management chief directorate, Pintér said, adding that municipalities and the ambulance services were also on alert.

Meanwhile, the prime minister has convened the operative body for flood protection, the minister said, adding that its work was coordinated by the national disaster management authority backed by national water management authority providing expertise.

The Hungarian army is also participating in flood protection with 12,000 people, equipment including helicopters and convicts who volunteer, he said.

Pinter asked municipalities to set up flood defence committees, adding that sandbags, vehicles and other equipment would be provided by the central operative body.

The flood situation will be evaluated early in the morning on the basis of overnight data every day and steps will be taken accordingly, he said.