Storm Boris has wreaked havoc across central Europe, claiming the lives of 22 people as extreme weather conditions continue to batter the region. Countries affected include Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia.
Since last week, residents have faced high winds and unusually heavy rainfall, leading to saturated grounds and overflowing rivers. Authorities have urged everyone to stay vigilant as the threat of further flooding remains.
In Poland, the situation is particularly dire in the cities of Opole and Wroclaw, where flood waves are anticipated. Concerns are mounting over the integrity of local dykes, raising fears of potential breaches that could exacerbate the disaster.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced an additional government aid package for those affected in Poland, bringing the total assistance to 2 billion zloty ($520 million). This support aims to help communities recover and rebuild in the aftermath of the storm.
Polish police have updated the death toll to seven, with three new victims reported. Two of the latest fatalities were found in the Klodzko district: an 82-year-old man discovered in a car and another man found near a riverbed.
While there are unverified reports of more casualties, authorities caution against spreading unconfirmed information. Police have urged the public to avoid sharing false details about the number of victims on social media platforms like X, formerly known as Twitter.
The impact of Storm Boris serves as a stark reminder of the increasing severity of extreme weather events and the importance of preparedness and timely response to protect lives and communities.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
