Additional Coverage:
Local authorities across central and eastern Europe are grappling with severe flooding after some of the heaviest rains in years battered the region, resulting in at least eight fatalities and widespread chaos.
Storm Boris, a sluggish low-pressure system, has unleashed a month’s worth of rain over historic capitals like Vienna, Bratislava, and Prague. The downpour persisted into Sunday, creating dire conditions.
On Sunday in Poland, one person drowned in Klodzko County, leading to evacuation advisories in Moszczanka and Laka Prudnicka due to a precarious dam. A firefighter also lost his life in Austria while on duty, as reported by the fire department to CNN.
Romania experienced additional casualties with two more flood-related deaths confirmed on Sunday, following four deaths on Saturday. Emergency services have rescued hundreds of stranded individuals, with the Interior Minister, Cătălin Predoiu, revealing that the most critical situation involved seven localities. Unfortunately, 5,400 homes in Galati have sustained damage.
In Pechea, residents recounted their losses. Social worker Sofia Basalic described the devastation to her home and farm, while factory worker Gica Stan reported losing everything and now depends on donated clothes.
Authorities have noted the heaviest rainfall in a century, prompting extensive rescue efforts in affected counties.
In Poland and the Czech Republic, rivers overflowed, forcing the evacuation of 1,600 people from Klodzko County. The county saw record-breaking river levels, leaving the town of Klodzko partially submerged.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed the first death by drowning in Klodzko County and mentioned ongoing dramatic situations. He also indicated that some residents are hesitant to evacuate, despite the risks.
Tusk announced plans to declare a state of disaster and seek aid from the European Union.
Czech President Petr Pavel warned that the flooding crisis in his country is far from over, particularly affecting the poorest regions. The city of Krnov is heavily flooded, with 70-80% of the area underwater, per local officials. Over 10,500 people have already been evacuated.
In Germany, Saxony is on high alert for river flooding. Austria has seen rising water levels and heavy rains have pushed multiple municipalities to declare a state of emergency.
Red alerts, signaling intense meteorological phenomena and significant damage potential, have been issued across Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Slovakia.
The European Union has expressed willingness to assist. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen extended solidarity to the affected nations and conveyed condolences to the flood victims and their families.