Romania requests flood aid as death toll hits 20

Bucharest: Authorities say the death toll
from a week of severe flooding in Romania has risen to 20, and
they are asking for aid from the European Union`s Solidarity
Fund to help repair damaged roads, crops and houses.
Interior Minister Vasile Blaga says there has not yet
been a damage assessment as the floods are still critical,
especially on the Siret River in northern and eastern Romania,
but that losses could exceed 0.6 per cent of gross domestic
product.

Blaga warned today that the Danube has exceeded the
highest levels recorded in 2006 around the towns of Galati and
Braila.
Thousands have been evacuated since Monday.

PTI