Torrential rains sweeping through central and eastern Europe have led to devastating floods, claiming the lives of four people in Romania, according to emergency services. The impact of these floods has also triggered the highest flood alerts in various regions across neighboring countries.
In the Czech Republic, flood alerts were declared in 38 locations on Saturday. In Prague, flood barriers have been raised, embankments closed to the public, and even the city zoo has been shut down as precautionary measures. Authorities are taking no chances, as the region was severely impacted by catastrophic floods two decades ago.
Poland is also facing a serious threat, with rivers rising to dangerous levels. Evacuations have already begun in southern provinces. In towns near the Czech border, such as Morow and Glucholazy, rivers have exceeded safe levels by two meters, prompting the evacuation of residents. According to Poland’s Interior Minister, Tomasz Siemoniak, the situation remains precarious, with four rivers posing significant threats of flooding in several towns.
Romania’s emergency services confirmed the deaths of four individuals in the southeastern region of Galati. Search and rescue operations continue across 19 areas, with dozens of people already saved from their homes.
Poland’s Struggle Against Rising Waters
In Poland, areas near the Czech border, particularly four southern provinces, are at the greatest risk of flooding. Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak has expressed concerns about the rising water levels and potential damage to towns. Rivers in Glucholazy have already surpassed safe levels, and forecasts suggest the situation may worsen.
The Polish government, alongside local emergency services, is working diligently to prevent further loss of life. Preparations have included the stockpiling of two million sandbags in Malopolska province and another million in Lower Silesia, where Wroclaw is located. The territorial army is also on standby to provide assistance where necessary.
Cyclone Boris Causes Havoc Across Central Europe
Cyclone Boris has been the main culprit behind the severe weather, bringing strong winds and torrential rain since Thursday. The storm has impacted countries including Poland, Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia. In Austria, the weather has shifted dramatically, with some areas experiencing heavy snowfall despite it being the hottest August on record.
Prague, still haunted by memories of its devastating floods in 1997 and 2002, has been on high alert. Emergency measures have been activated, including the closing of the Certovka floodgate, a critical part of the city’s flood defenses. These defenses, which cost over €1 billion to build, aim to prevent another large-scale disaster.
In North Moravia, central and eastern parts of the Czech Republic are bracing for more rain, with the potential for up to 400mm over the next three days. This water will flow down the River Oder and towards Poland, further escalating the flooding risk.
Austria’s Record Rainfall and Snowfall
Austria has also been severely impacted, with forecasts predicting up to 20cm of rainfall in some regions, especially in Upper and Lower Austria and northern Upper Styria. Heavy snowfall has already blanketed parts of Tyrol, and more precipitation is expected in the coming days.
Austria’s storm warning center, UWZ, has predicted that September’s rainfall records will be shattered within just a few days. Meteorologist Manuel Kelemen described the current weather conditions as “extraordinary” and potentially “unprecedented.” Austria’s railway network, OEBB, has advised passengers to postpone non-essential travel, as portions of the Tauern railway line have been closed due to the severe conditions.
Germany and the Czech Republic Coordinate Flood Control
In Germany, concerns have been raised about the River Elbe, which receives water from the Czech Republic’s Vltava River. Czech officials have been forced to refuse a request from Germany to stop draining reservoirs into the Vltava due to the risk of flooding. This decision was made in the wake of a bridge collapse in Dresden, and with Czech reservoirs already at high levels, they need to remain half-empty to accommodate the heavy rainfall expected this weekend.
Extreme Weather and Climate Change
Experts warn that extreme weather events, like the current floods, are becoming more common due to climate change. Warmer temperatures allow the atmosphere to hold more moisture, leading to heavier and more frequent rainfall. As Europe grapples with the effects of climate change, governments are under pressure to strengthen their disaster response strategies and invest in long-term solutions to mitigate the impacts of such events.
The unfolding situation highlights the growing challenges faced by countries across Central Europe in the face of extreme weather, and the urgent need for coordinated action to protect vulnerable communities.
