Six new vehicles for extinguishing forest fires will be allocated to Montenegrin municipalities today, announced Miodrag Bešović, director of the Ministry of Interior's Protection and Rescue Directorate, on "Colors of Morning" on TV Vijesti.
This is the first delivery of equipment within the framework of a regional project with Albania and Italy, and Bešović reminded that 13 more vehicles are expected next year, as well as the procurement of larger trucks for northern municipalities.
He adds that the Directorate is ready for this season both technically and operationally.
"We have boats, rescue equipment and teams that can intervene immediately if necessary. The system is ready," he said.
The most critical points for landslides, he says, are still Herceg Novi and Budva, where years of unplanned construction further increase the risk.
Kolašin, he says, shows how quickly the situation can get out of control during heavy rainfall when "a stream gets clogged with waste," which is the responsibility of local services. He cites Budva as a negative example, not because of a lack of equipment, but because of wrong actions.
"People parked vehicles in the flood drainage canal, despite the announced red weather alert. This is unacceptable," he emphasizes, adding that municipalities must step up maintenance of canals, manholes, and coastal zones.
At the same time, the state system is assessing the damage from summer fires, but the process is going slowly, especially in Podgorica.
"The assessment is not yet complete. The commission has received 151 requests from individuals and two legal entities. People often think that this is compensation for damage, but it is only about assistance," said Bešović.
He reminds that the annual fund of 200.000 euros has already been spent and that the Government will have to approve additional funds.
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