Flood-hit Orenburg Oblast of Russia thanks Belarus for humanitarian aid

On behalf of the Orenburg Oblast government, Governor Denis Pasler sent gratitude to Prime Minister of Belarus Roman Golovchenko.

“I express my sincere gratitude to you and the government of the Republic of Belarus for the humanitarian aid provided in connection with the floods in Orenburg Oblast. The readiness of the government of the Republic of Belarus to lend a helping hand in difficult times is a great example of solidarity and friendship between our countries. We highly appreciate your support and hope that friendly relations and partnerships between Orenburg Oblast and the Republic of Belarus will grow stronger,” the letter of gratitude reads.

This year, record floods hit some regions of the Southern Urals; Russia’s Orenburg Oblast was affected the most. On 5 April the dam that protected the town of Orsk from the Ural River broke prompting evacuation of residents from parts of the town. A federal state of emergency was declared in the region. Authorities in neighboring Kazakhstan pointed out that these floods were the largest in the last 80 years.

On behalf of the head of state, Belarus sent aid to the flood-affected regions of the Russian Federation at the end of May. The Council of Ministers issued a resolution to collect and send humanitarian aid. This was done within a very short period of time. Belarusian emergency workers delivered it to the affected regions.