Ads
The death toll in central Europe continues to climb as ‘dramatic’ flooding wreaks havoc. The Czech Republic, Poland, and Austria are mobilizing thousands of citizens to safety as they brace for potentially more catastrophic flooding.
Authorities have reported fatalities in all three countries, warning that the worst may be yet to come. The death toll from the relentless floods and heavy rains in central and eastern Europe has now surpassed 16, with many people still missing.
In the Czech Republic, a tragic incident occurred in the town of Bruntál when a woman drowned as a creek overflowed its banks. The Czech police force, led by Martin Vondrášek, has reported seven other individuals missing as search and rescue efforts continue.
In Austria, two men aged 70 and 80 lost their lives in the towns of Böheimkirchen and Sierndorf due to being trapped in their homes by rising floodwaters. A surgeon returning from hospital duty drowned in the town of Nysa in southwestern Poland, adding to the toll of the floods.
Storm Boris, which one mayor described as causing a “catastrophe of epic proportions,” has displaced hundreds of thousands of people in Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, and the Czech Republic. Dams have burst, streets have become rivers, power outages are rampant, and entire neighborhoods have been submerged.
In the midst of the chaos, Austrian resident Judith Dickson expressed shock, saying she had never witnessed floods of this magnitude in her 16 years living in the region. The devastation has been widespread and alarming, prompting urgent responses from governments across the affected countries.
Over the weekend, additional casualties were reported in Romania, Poland, and Austria, including a firefighter who tragically lost his life. Amidst the tragedy, several large cities are bracing for potential catastrophic flooding as rivers continue to rise to unprecedented levels.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk have both taken swift actions, canceling activities and convening emergency meetings to coordinate relief efforts. Photos from the flood-ravaged areas in several countries have been described as “dramatic,” eliciting a sense of urgency and solidarity from neighboring countries.
As the Danube swells, the capitals of Hungary and Slovakia, Budapest and Bratislava, are preparing for potential deluges. Austrian chancellor Karl Nehammer has declared Lower Austria a disaster area, with over 10,000 relief workers mobilized to help over 1,100 evacuated homes.
In Lower Austria, governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner emphasized the gravity of the situation, acknowledging the daunting challenges faced by thousands of affected families. The isolated municipality of Lilienfeld highlights the extent of the devastation, with thousands left without basic utilities.
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala has implored citizens to heed the advice of authorities and emergency responders, emphasizing the need for caution and preparedness. Despite the rains subsiding in some areas, the threat of worsening conditions persists as rivers swell and the storm system progresses.
In a somber message, Fiala acknowledged the ongoing struggles faced by many, noting the continuous rise in flooding across the country. The mayor of Litovel shared the drastic impact of the Morava River’s surge, which inundated 70% of the city overnight, resulting in closures of critical infrastructure.
As the third-largest city in the Czech Republic, Ostrava faced disruptions when a key power plant ceased operations due to technical issues, affecting heat and hot water supplies. Thousands of residents in Krnov and Český Těšín were forced to evacuate, underscoring the widespread displacement caused by the floods.
With a population of around 56,000, Opava ordered nearly 10,000 residents to seek refuge in higher ground, highlighting the severity of the situation. The mayor described the current crisis as worse than the devastating floods of 1997, emphasizing the urgent need for proactive measures.
In Romania, the aftermath of the floods has left residents in shock, with widespread damage and loss reported. The outpouring of support from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and promises of financial aid offer a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos and devastation.
As central Europe grapples with the aftermath of the ongoing floods, the resilience and solidarity of communities in these affected countries continue to shine through. While the death toll rises and the devastation unfolds, the collective efforts to support and assist those in need are a testament to the strength and unity of the human spirit in times of crisis.
