Czech charities have raised more than one billion crowns for tornado victims

More than one billion crowns has now been collected for the South Moravian communities that were hit by a tornado and thunderstorms a week ago. Representatives from the charities said the amount has far exceeded their expectations, and added that they want to allocate the money in a responsible way, they told CTK on Friday.

The Brno Diocese Charity has gathered the highest amount of contributions at 247 million crowns, while the Via Foundation collected over 200 million crowns, representatives of both charity organisations confirmed to CTK.

People in Need has raised 136.5 million crowns, while the Czech Red Cross reports nearly 100 million crowns in collections for the storm-affected areas.

"We are very surprised at the wave of solidarity and the amount of money raised," Diocese Charity head Oldřich Haičman said.

He added that previous collections for the devastating floods in 1997 and 2002 were also successful. Haicman said he was surprised by the fast response, as people sent nearly 200 million in just four days.

Haicman noted that raising such an large of money requires responsible handling, too. The first funds should be allocated next week, according to Brno Diocese.

The Via Foundation initiated a meeting among the charities themselves to discuss a coordinated procedure in money allocation. First, NGOs will send 150,000 crowns to pay for repair work on damaged houses and for fundamental needs of households.

In addition to the charities, those who wish to donate can also send money to individual families through donio.cz.

Corporations have also been sending financial support to South Moravia.

Energy company E.ON announced through a press release that it will donate 10 million crowns to affected communities, and distribute another 10 million into 10,000 aid packages to families.

Heavy storms, hail, and a category 4 tornado swept the Břeclav and Hodonín areas in south Moravia a week ago. The disaster claimed six lives and caused material damage estimated at 15 billion crowns.

Around 1,200 houses were heavily damaged, and 180 of them will have to be demolished. Fields, farmland, and vineyards have also been affected.