Emergency services are working tirelessly to bolster flood defenses across Central and Eastern Europe following extensive rainfall that has led to swollen rivers and widespread damage to homes.
In Romania, Storm Boris has resulted in tragic loss of life, with four fatalities reported in the southeastern Galati region.
The Czech Republic is experiencing significant flooding, with thousands forced to evacuate and over 51,000 households in northern areas facing power outages, according to local authorities. In Prague, flood barriers have been erected to protect residents.
Nearby Poland has also issued evacuations in Glucholazy, a town close to the Czech border, due to rising river levels.
Romanian President Klaus Iohannis highlighted the growing threats of climate change, stating, “We are again facing the effects of climate change, which are increasingly present on the European continent, with dramatic consequences.”
As extreme precipitation events become more frequent across Europe, the changing climate continues to amplify the risks associated with severe weather.
In Galati, the mayor of the village Slobozia Conachi reported that 700 homes have been inundated, characterizing the situation as “a catastrophe of epic proportions,” according to local sources.
In Glucholazy, Polish firefighters have been mobilizing efforts to create sandbag barriers to protect homes. A public safety initiative is underway in Krakow, where residents are being provided with sandbags as preventive measures.
Local resident Piotr Jakubiec expressed his fears regarding the flooding, stating, “This is the second time in my life that I’ve seen such a phenomenon. It’s a nightmare for the people who live here.”
Another resident, Zofia Owsiaka, noted the atmosphere of fear in the town, mentioning that there seems to be little hope for the rain to cease.
In Wroclaw, many residents are relying on staircases to move within high-rise buildings due to safety precautions regarding the persistent flooding.
In the Czech Republic, a dam failure occurred in the South Bohemia region on Saturday, prompting Environment Minister Petr Hladik to advise residents in severely affected areas to prepare for possible evacuation.
Hladik warned of saturated ground conditions, increasing the likelihood of flash floods as rain continues in the region. The Czech Republic is expected to face additional rainfall until Tuesday.
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala has indicated that the nation is preparing for a challenging period ahead. Authorities are erecting sandbag barriers and metal walls as a protective measure. Numerous football matches scheduled for this weekend have also been canceled in light of the severe weather conditions.
