Premier says damage from Slovenia's worst natural disaster to exceed $500 million

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - The Slovenian premier said Saturday that damaged caused by flash floods is likely to exceed €500 million ($500 million) as the country is facing the worst natural disaster in its history, according to media reports.

Robert Golob said after a National Security Council meeting that road and energy infrastructures has been hit particularly hard alongside hundreds of homes, the Slovenian Press Agency (STA) reported.

It will take major efforts to return to normal, he noted, but said he does not plan to declare an emergency, for now.

"I want this political unity to last as long as possible," said Golob, referring to the meeting where some opposition members attended.

Meanwhile, soldiers joined search and rescues efforts as two-thirds of the country have been affected by floods.

Soldiers took part in efforts in Crna na Koroskem, a small town in northern Slovenia cut off Friday from the country due to floods and landslides.

The government decided to ask the European Commission for aid from the European Solidarity Fund due to the disaster that killed four people, according to STA.