Bratislava, 22 August (TASR) – A state of emergency has been declared in the district of Rimavska Sobota (Banska Bystrica region) following a night-time windstorm that affected 15 municipalities, spokesperson for the Interior Ministry Matej Neumann told TASR on Saturday, adding that the reason was the extent of the damage caused and the need to ensure effective coordination of rescue and clearance operations.
        According to eyewitness accounts, the powerful windstorm, accompanied by heavy rain, lasted approximately 10-15 minutes. The storm swept through the town of Tornala after 11 p.m. “The nature and extent of the damage, particularly the narrow band of extremely strong wind and the widespread damage or complete tearing off of roofs, point to an exceptionally severe accompanying phenomenon of the storm,” stated the spokesperson, noting that the exact wind speed is currently being assessed.
        Neumann explained that the most severe damage has been reported mainly in the villages of Radnovce, Bottovo, Rumince and Ivanice, and in the town of Tornala. “The roofs of family houses, blocks of flats and other buildings were damaged or completely torn off. Massive, century-old trees were also uprooted and snapped,” he said. Electricity pylons and power lines were damaged, causing widespread power cuts. Damage has also been recorded to cars, a multi-purpose sports ground and a festival stage. According to him, no injuries related to the storm have been reported so far.