Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Polish PM Promises Relief for Flood Victims

   VOA News 25 May 2010
   A  rescue  team aboard an amphibious vehicle in the flooded area, near
   Plock, Poland, 24 May 2010

Photo: AP

   Poland's  prime  minister  is promising millions of dollars in aid for
   flood  victims  despite  concerns  about  the country's growing budget
   deficit.
   Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Tuesday the government will spend more
   than $580 million of its reserves to help residents recover from weeks
   of heavy rain and massive flooding.
   Many  farms  and homes in central and southern Poland are under water,
   forcing  thousands  of people to evacuate.  The worst floods in years
   are blamed for the deaths of 15 people and weather forecasters predict
   several more days of rain.
   Officials  say the floods have done almost $3 billion in damage.  But
   Mr.   Tusk  said  the  government  must  find  ways  to  help  without
   threatening  the  stability of the country's finances.  He said that,
   as a result, the government will reallocate existing funds rather than
   increase Poland's debt.

   Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.

.