The recent floods sweeping through central Europe have led to a tragic increase in fatalities, particularly impacting the Czech Republic, Poland, and Austria. Officials are grappling with the aftermath as search operations continue for missing individuals.
In the Czech Republic, emergency responders have reported that one person drowned near Bruntal, with seven others unaccounted for. Meanwhile, Poland has confirmed four deaths, with investigations ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding at least one casualty.
Austria has also been affected, with two people, aged 70 and 80, succumbing to the floods in the northeastern part of the country. Reports indicate one individual drowned while attempting to remove water from his home.
Overall, the floods have claimed eight lives across Poland, Romania, and Austria, with a firefighter tragically killed during a rescue operation over the weekend.
While some regions of central Europe are beginning to see stabilizing conditions, others are still facing significant dangers. In Slovakia, the Danube River overflowed, causing flooding in Bratislava’s historic districts, where water levels have surged above 9 meters (30 feet).
The extreme weather and flood conditions have prompted Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to suspend all international engagements. In the Czech Republic, record rainfall has inundated wild areas, with the town of Jesenik experiencing an astonishing 473mm (19 inches) since Thursday, drastically surpassing typical monthly averages.
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer confirmed the deployment of armed forces to assist storm-struck regions, reporting that rainfall in St Polten exceeded the totals experienced during the wettest autumn on record back in 1950.
In Poland, Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced a financial relief package of one billion zloty (approximately £197 million) for flood victims and stated the country’s intention to seek additional support from EU relief funds.
Eastern Romania has also suffered immense damage, with villages completely submerged. The mayor of Slobozia Conachi described the situation as devastating, revealing that many residents had lost everything but the clothes on their backs.
In light of the ongoing crisis, thousands have been evacuated in Poland, including patients and staff from a local hospital. Roadways are heavily disrupted, and train services have been halted in many regions.
On Monday morning, the mayor of Paczków urged immediate evacuation as nearby reservoir waters began to overflow, threatening the town’s safety.
Despite the challenges, some areas in Poland, including Klodzko, are reporting a gradual decrease in water levels. The city’s mayor indicated that signs suggest the worst may be over, as video footage showcased streets previously flooded starting to dry out, revealing significant property damage.
However, further rain is expected in Austria, the Czech Republic, and southeastern Germany on Monday and Tuesday, with forecasts predicting an additional 100mm could fall in these areas. While it may take time for floodwaters to recede completely, weather conditions are anticipated to improve by midweek, transitioning to much drier weather.
Storm Boris is projected to move southward into Italy, where it is likely to regain strength, with the Emilia-Romagna region anticipated to be hit hardest, facing potential rainfall of 100-150mm that could lead to further flooding.
