Despite the bitter aftertaste and hardships that afflicted many Slovenians at the time, there was a sense of hope in our country on the sunny side of the Alps that the problems, although of colossal proportions, would eventually be resolved through collective effort.
At that time, the Carinthian region was also flooded, including Prevalje, where the family business Pandel Trade, which sells white goods and household appliances, is based. The floods did not spare them. Their business premises were flooded with a considerable amount of water. Fortunately, they managed to save most of the appliances in time, but the storm did not subside for several days and the employees looked to the sky with fear day after day.
Once the situation finally calmed down and access to the property was permitted, the company needed quite a few pairs of diligent hands to help clean the premises and surrounding area. Their neighbours, nearby residents, and many other people from Carinthia faced similar problems. Numerous towns, including Črna na Koroškem, suffered the consequences of the floods.
Every bit of help was most welcome. The people who responded came from all over Slovenia. Just as it has so many times before in similar situations, it seemed that Slovenians possess a big heart; that in times of trouble we know how to come together and help one another.
In difficult times, friends from Zagradac in Dolenjska helped the small team at Pandel Trade, something they still remember with warmth in their hearts today. »We will never forget that friends lent us a hand in our darkest moments,« said Danijel Pandel, the company's director.
At that time, the company promised these friends that they would contribute a washing machine for the raffle they were preparing. They kept their promise. A few months later, when things had calmed down and they all met again in Prevalje in different circumstances and a more pleasant atmosphere, they gifted them a washing machine as a token of their gratitude.
Despite the floods having thoroughly devastated many parts of Slovenia and instilled much fear, it has also become apparent that there is great strength within people, which is amplified through community and connection. The mutual assistance of people unites us in the silent hope for a better tomorrow and gives us the strength to overcome even those obstacles that seem impossible to surmount.
Mateja Sekavčnik, 5 May 2026
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