May 2014
The devastating floods that hit Serbia – the worst in the last 120 years – resulted in a significant number of human victims and caused momentous damage to people, animals and facilities, estimated at this time at 175 million euros. The first data report that 27 people died, but unfortunately the numbers are not considered closed by the Serbian authorities, due to the approximately 800 people missing. The Order of Malta has immediately reacted to give its help to those remained homeless – more than 35,000 the evacuees. The Prince and Grand Master, Fra ‘Matthew Festing, has submitted a letter to the President Tomislav Nikolic in which he wanted to express his closeness. The international relief organization, Malteser, immediately provided personnel and equipment. The Embassy of the Sovereign Order of Malta raised, thanks to the generosity of the Esselunga Supermarkets, 33 tons of food, clothing and products for personal hygiene, departing from Milan on May 23rd. Another shipment is already scheduled for next week. These are just the first steps of a journey of aid that will continue in time and cannot cease with the cessation of the emergency.
