Catastrophic Floods Sweep Central and Eastern Europe

Storm Boris has unleashed devastating floods across Central and Eastern Europe, leaving several dead and thousands displaced. The storm, described as a “once-in-50-years” event, has caused chaos in Austria, Poland, and the Czech Republic, with authorities struggling to contain the rising waters.

Fatalities and Widespread Destruction

A firefighter died during a rescue operation in Austria, while drowning incidents occurred in Poland and Romania. Authorities evacuated thousands from flood-ravaged areas, and power outages affected over 51,000 households in the Czech Republic. Austrian authorities have declared the province surrounding Vienna a disaster zone.

Poland and Czech Republic Hit Hard

In Poland’s Kłodzko district, floodwaters reached depths of 1.5 metres, leaving 17,000 people without power. Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed the first drowning in the region and authorised the use of satellite technology to restore internet services. Meanwhile, in the Czech Republic, several thousand people have been evacuated, with four individuals missing after their car was swept into a river.

Urgent Evacuations and Rescue Efforts

Czech authorities are focusing all efforts on preventing further loss of life. The interior minister urged residents to follow evacuation orders or risk endangering themselves. In one incident, police and firefighters rescued a man who had gone swimming in the flooded Vltava River, while other residents remained stranded in their homes.

Devastating Impact on Infrastructure

The floods have severely damaged infrastructure, with roads, bridges, and homes destroyed in many areas. In the Czech town of Jesenik, only three streets remain above water, leaving residents trapped and awaiting assistance from the army. In Poland, a Blackhawk helicopter was deployed to airlift individuals stranded on rooftops.

Storm Boris’ Prolonged Devastation

Meteorologists explain that Storm Boris has been particularly destructive due to its slow-moving nature, with torrential downpours expected to continue for days. The storm’s positioning between high-pressure systems has caused it to linger over the same regions, intensifying the flooding and increasing the number of affected communities.

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