"The institutions involved are prepared for the handling of possible flooding; a National Technical Directive Unit (OMIT) has been set up within the National Water Management Directorate-General to manage and harmonise flood protection activities", announced the Government Spokesperson at a press conference on Wednesday.

András Giró-Szász announced, jointly with Media Service Support and Asset Management Fund Chief Executive István Böröcz, that at the initiative of the Cabinet, the Government and public media have agreed on cooperation to assure the rapid and precise provision of information.

Itsván Böröcz stated: from noon today, the news programmes of all public media television channels will be providing hourly updates on the state of flooding.

A state of flood readiness is in force along 2684 kilometres of flood embankments and 158 hectares of land are currently affected by inland water. According to information provided by the Ministry of Interior, the highest, level three flood warning status is in effect on 274 kilometres along the rivers Kraszna and Berettyó, on the Hortobágy plains, and along stretches of the Kőrös river.

1036 people have been involved in flood protection tasks in the past 24 hours alone, and in the interests of the performance of required activities, 24-hour monitoring and patrols will also be introduced as required by the flooding situation.

(MTI)