Central and eastern Europe are facing devastating floods due to Storm Boris, leading to catastrophic consequences.
- At least 16 people have tragically lost their lives, with significant impacts in Romania, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Poland.
- Authorities in Budapest have initiated road closures near the Danube River as water levels rise alarmingly.
- Over 300 miles of the Danube are under threat, posing challenges for Europe’s river cruise industry.
- Significant disruptions in transport and state of emergencies declared highlight the urgency of the situation.
Intense flooding across central and eastern Europe, triggered by Storm Boris, has resulted in the tragic loss of at least 16 lives as of Monday. Particularly hard-hit were regions in Romania, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Poland, where the torrential downpours have wreaked havoc. The situation continues to deteriorate, prompting officials and residents to brace for further challenges.
Budapest, Hungary’s capital, is undertaking preventive measures by closing roads proximate to the Danube River. This drastic measure is driven by the rapid rise in river levels, reportedly increasing by a metre every 24 hours. In response, the mayor of Budapest has provided residents with a million sandbags as a defensive measure against potential floodwaters.
The Danube, a vital artery for Europe’s river cruise industry, faces an uncertain future as over 300 miles are currently at risk due to rapidly rising water levels. This volatility in the river’s condition is likely to result in alterations or even cancellations of cruise itineraries, though the full impact is yet to be determined.
The flooding crisis forced one river cruise ship, carrying mostly Swiss tourists, to dock in Vienna as a precautionary measure. With urban transport severely disrupted, including tram lines halted and road closures in Budapest, the logistical challenges are mounting. Additionally, train services between Budapest and Vienna have been suspended.
Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, has not been spared, as local media reports indicate that floodwaters have surpassed 30 feet in the old town area with projections of further rises. In neighbouring Poland, a state of natural disaster has been declared, with an earmarked budget of one billion zloty (£197 million) for flood relief. The Polish government plans to seek further assistance from EU disaster funds.
Travel advisories have been updated by the Foreign Office to extend warnings from eastern Austria to the affected regions in the Czech Republic and Poland, advising travellers to heed local advice and track conditions closely. In the Czech Republic and Poland, heavy rainfall and consequent flooding have led to significant disruptions, necessitating vigilance among residents and travellers alike.
Storm Boris is forecast to move southwards, threatening Italian regions, particularly Emilia-Romagna, with further heavy rains, exacerbating an already precarious situation.
The severe flooding across Europe underscores the urgent need for adaptive strategies in face of escalating weather extremes.
