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'Polish Citizens Face Flood Aftermath Without Government Assistance', Says Belarus State TV. Claim Fact-checked
On September 17, Donald Tusk posted on platform X [formerly Twitter —ed.] that everyone in need of help would receive it.
Belarus state-run TV aired a news segment about flood consequences in Poland, titled "Poles Are Left Alone with the Disaster!" The voiceover claimed that the neighboring country's government allegedly refused to help the victims restore their homes damaged by the elements. The Weekly Top Fake team found out what kind of assistance the Poles received.
The CTV video report on Poland and flood consequences aired on September 25, 2024.
“Hydrologists are urging residents to permanently evacuate flooded areas. Prime Minister Donald Tusk implicitly hinted at this, suggesting that restoring homes would require independent efforts, without government assistance,” the report stated.
On September 17, Donald Tusk posted on platform X [formerly Twitter —ed.] that everyone in need of help would receive it:
“Once again about assistance: every flood victim is entitled to immediate emergency aid of 10,000 zlotys, up to 100,000 zlotys for repairs, and up to 200,000 zlotys for home restoration. THIS IS GRANT AID. Other forms of assistance may also be available.”
Thus, 10,000 zlotys, roughly €2,500, is the initial aid for living expenses. Additional funds are allocated for property repairs. For residential homes or apartments, the amount can reach 200,000 zlotys, or about €47,000. For damaged agricultural buildings, up to 100,000 zlotys, or around €24,000, may be obtained. The exact amount depends on the extent of the damage.
Furthermore, the state will cover mortgage interest payments for one year for those who lost their homes. Aid is also available for affected businesses — up to $250,000.
In Belarus, a hurricane swept through in mid-July, causing trees to fall on houses, other structures, and vehicles, resulting in several fatalities. Belarusians could expect one-time targeted assistance from the state of up to 10 times the minimum subsistence level, or up to 4,300 rubles (about €1,200). This aid was not available to all citizens, but only to low-income individuals.
