Many power generators are needed to restore electricity to the spreading number of communities affected by broken power lines across the country, which Slovenia does not have at moment, so the government will ask the EU for help, Bratušek said in Postojna, one of the worst-hit areas.

Power distributors' staff have been working round-the-clock across the country in a bid to repair the lines that collapsed under the weight of ice and snow or have been toppled by falling trees.

Some homes and other customers in the area around Postojna and Pivka have been without electricity since early on Friday and armed forces have been called in to supply them with power generators.

Bratušek and Defence Minister Roman Jakič got briefed on the situation on the ground today after President Borut Pahor visited the most affected areas on Saturday, thanking everyone involved in the relief effort.