The government will continue supporting local councils in strengthening their defences against natural disasters, the minister of public administration and regional development said on Monday. The government currently provides half a billion forints (EUR 1.3m) to 34 local councils to bolster their defences against natural disasters and for post-disaster clean-ups, Tibor Navracsics said at an event where he handed over Force Majeure support certificates to local council leaders and mayors. The minister said the government trusted it could strengthen partnerships with councils with the aim of providing better protections to locals. Most recent natural disasters in Hungary have been caused by storms, downpours, hail and floods, the ministry said in a statement.