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This bulletin is being issued for information only and reflects the current situation and details available at this time. The Hungarian Red Cross is grateful for the immediate cross-border assistance by the Austrian Red Cross, and it is coordinating its actions with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). Beyond the already received assistance, the Hungarian Red Cross is not seeking any external support or funding at this stage.
Summary:
The suddenly returning severe winter weather in March paralysed almost half of Hungary by 15 th March 2013. Authorities issued red alert for seven counties, and orange alert for many others, on 14 th March due to continuous snowfall and snowstorms. Several thousands of people have been stranded on the highways M1 and M7 due to the deep snow and the strong winds that caused snowdrifts and blockages. The Hungarian Red Cross staff and volunteers were immediately on the scene, assisting those trapped on the highway with blankets, hot tea and food. The Red Cross is part of the joint rescue effort by the police, military forces and National Disaster Management Directorate.