Recognition of the Disaster Management Authority has increased due to the fact that those in trouble regularly experience the help provided by these professionals – Parliamentary State Secretary Károly Kontrát said at the Disaster Management Authority's annual assessment meeting.

Recognition of the Disaster Management Authority has increased due to the fact that those in trouble regularly experience the help provided by these professionals – Parliamentary State Secretary Károly Kontrát said at the Disaster Management Authority's annual assessment meeting.

The Ministry of Interior's Parliamentary State Secretary emphasised that people in Hungary can feel more secure today than in 2010. He added than in 2010, following the inauguration of the new government, it was necessary to improve the Disaster Management Authority and to provide the necessary legal environment for it to carry out its duties.

The Authority was also able to participate in international cooperation to avert and manage disasters – said Director General György Bakondi.
He added that by 2013, a steady and balanced organisational structure had been established that helped to increase public safety and to improve preventive activities. With the help of the latter, the number of fires decreased by fifty per cent compared to the year before. According to the Director General, the work of the Disaster Management Authority was characterised by personal and organisational stability that also helped to strengthen people's positive approach towards Hungary.

According to György Bakondi, the results of surveys show that these achievements are also acknowledged by society, thanks to which recognition of the Disaster Management Authority has increased significantly and growing numbers of volunteers help their work. This was especially proven during the Danube flood last summer.

Emphasis was also put on public information: a new mobile application was developed that has already been downloaded by 55 thousand users.
Among the serious disasters of last year, György Bakondi mentioned the summer flood and the extreme weather in March. In connection with the latter, he added that although 57 settlements and 153 roads were blocked by the snow, everything was back to normal within three days.

(Ministry of Interior)