To help the communities affected by the tornado, over 50 architects have registered on the website

Prague - Over 50 architects have signed up to help the communities affected by the tornado in Hodonín and Břeclav in June on the websites created by the Czech Chamber of Architects (ČKA) after a week of operation. The chamber offers assistance to the affected municipalities and their residents in developing reconstruction projects for the damaged houses or the construction of new homes in place of the demolished ones. Offers of free or discounted architectural consulting, and the corresponding demand, can be found on the website architektiprobono.cz. This was reported today by the chamber's spokesperson, Tereza Zemanová.

"We are pleasantly surprised by the willingness of our members to help, and we are also glad that the website seems to be serving its purpose. It is intended as a platform for connecting those who provide assistance with those who need it. The role of the ČKA is then managerial and coordinating. We intend to continue monitoring the development and, especially, the specific stories," said Zemanová.

According to her, the chamber also plans long-term assistance. "Affected municipalities will likely need to newly address urban planning, so we are currently exploring other options," Zemanová noted.

The Czech Chamber of Authorized Engineers and Technicians in Construction (ČKAIT) also called on its members to assist in assessing the damaged properties. As reported today, more than a hundred authorized structural engineers have already signed up. According to ČKAIT estimates, several hundred designers will be needed to prepare the restoration of 1,200 partially or completely damaged buildings.

"We greatly appreciate the dedication and skill of carpenters, roofers, bricklayers, and tilers who have started repairing the damaged houses. However, we also emphasize the necessary presence of engineers and technicians authorized in the field of civil engineering and other disciplines, who are qualified to offer services as designers, construction managers, and supervisors of technical or construction matters. Among other reasons, without their qualified input, homeowners may not be able to access state support from the Živel program," added ČKAIT chairman Robert Špalek.

Financial aid from the Živel program can be obtained from the state by people affected by the storm. Applications are accepted by the State Investment Support Fund. Residents can receive grants of up to two million crowns and an additional three million in the form of a discounted loan with a one percent interest rate.

A tornado swept through Hodonín and Břeclav on June 24. It was the second strongest tornado of its kind with wind speeds exceeding 300 kilometers per hour. It caused the death of six people and damaged approximately 1,200 houses. The organization People in Need estimates that the storm severely impacted around 1,600 households in the area. About 185 houses are designated for demolition in the locality. The damages amount to several billion crowns.