India, FIBA, Austrian region help flood victims

India, FIBA, Austrian region help flood victims

On behalf of the Indian government, the embassy will hand over the sum to the Serbian government in response to its appeal for assistance, the embassy said on Tuesday.

"The Indian government is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and material damage caused by the unusual floods in Serbia, with which India has maintained historical and friendly ties," the statement also said.

The Indian government sincerely sympathizes with the government of Serbia and its people, in particular with the bereaved and displaced families, the embassy's statement said.

FIBA donates EUR 100,000

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has donated EUR 100,000 as aid to the flood-hit population in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia.

"The three Balkan nations were devastated by floods and subsequent landslides, with more than 50 people killed and tens of thousands displaced after losing their homes," FIBA said.

"Daily life, including basketball, has been put on hold in the former Yugoslav countries, with venues such as Kombank Arena and Pionir Arena (in Serbia) - which typically would host among other things the games of Partizan Belgrade and Crvena Zvezda Belgrade - being transformed into refuge shelters for flood victims," said a statement on the FIBA website.

FIBA President Yvan Mainini appealed for unity in helping out the affected countries.

"We are extremely saddened to see the devastating impact of the floods which hit Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Serbia. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of those countries at this very difficult time," Mainini said.

Tyrol joins aid efforts

The government of the Austrian state of Tyrol has decided to join the aid efforts for the victims of the floods in Southeastern Europe.

Tyrol President Guenther Platter said after a meeting of the government that Tyrol would provide EUR 150,000 as aid for the flooded areas in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Serbia.

A part of Tyrol suffered catastrophic floods almost a year ago, which led to a great display of solidarity, and now it is time to show that solidarity to others, he stated.