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Polish PM Promises Relief for Flood Victims


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.

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