Death toll rises as rains, floods force evacuations in Central Europe
The death toll continues to climb in Central European nations as relentless heavy rains have triggered widespread flooding and mass evacuations. Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Romania have been severely impacted, with Slovakia and Hungary bracing for potential effects from the persistent low pressure system originating in northern Italy.
Romania has reported six fatalities, while Austria and Poland each have one confirmed death. In the Czech Republic, four individuals remain missing after being swept away by powerful floodwaters.
It's not over yet
The Czech Republic faces the highest flood warnings, affecting around 100 locations nationwide. The northeastern regions, particularly near the Jeseniky mountains bordering Poland, have experienced unprecedented rainfall. In Opava, approximately 10,000 residents have been evacuated as rescuers navigate the flooded Opava River by boat.
Mayor Tomas Navratil described the situation as more severe than the devastating 1997 floods, emphasizing the urgent need to save lives. Prime Minister Petr Fiala echoed the urgency, stating that the worst is yet to come as the flooding continues to advance.
At least four missing, villages cut off
Towns like Krnov and Cesky Tesin are nearly submerged, with the Oder River reaching extreme levels in Ostrava and Bohumin, leading to further evacuations. Ostrava, the Czech Republic's third-largest city, is experiencing significant traffic disruptions, with train services largely halted.
In the Jeseniky mountains, villages such as Jesenik are isolated by raging waters, turning roads into rivers. Mayor Zdenka Blistanova reported extensive damage to homes, bridges, and roads, while approximately 260,000 households across the country lost power.
A firefighter dies as Lower Austria declared a disaster zone
A tragic incident occurred in Lower Austria when a firefighter lost his life while combating floodwaters in Tulln. The entire state has been declared a disaster zone, with 10,000 relief forces evacuating over 1,100 homes. The Kamp River's Ottenstein reservoir is nearing its capacity, raising concerns of further flooding.
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer highlighted the worsening situation and the deployment of 2,400 soldiers to support relief efforts. Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner expressed the profound challenges faced by residents in Lower Austria.
Romania reports more flooding victims
In Romania's eastern county of Galati, the death toll has risen to six due to unprecedented rainfall, exacerbating the already dire situation.
Dramatic flooding in Poland
Poland's southwest region, particularly around Klodzko in the Sudetes mountains, is experiencing dramatic floods. Prime Minister Donald Tusk reported one presumed death and extensive damage in towns like Glucholazy and Jelenia Gora, where rising waters have destroyed infrastructure and disrupted energy supplies.
Experts link the severe weather patterns to climate change, noting that a hotter atmosphere can lead to more intense rainfall events.
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Death toll rises as rains, floods force evacuations in Central Europe
cgtn.com
